Prologue

Chance meeting

That meeting was a miracle.

It was as if the cold night was biting into her body.

A girl from a cyber-related company who was participating in a

party held in a certain remote cityKiritou Haya looked up at
the night sky and spat out a sigh.

it really is cold.

Snow slowly fell from the sky and scattered on the ground, lit up
by the pale moonlight, the scenerys beauty was fantastic. but it
was a cold, winter night. Although she had a cape on top of her
thin party dress the wind has robbed her body of heat in no time.

I need to hurry and go back well, its not like theres any
difference whether Im there or not.

Although it was a meeting of the Kiritou Group, she was only

twelve years old and served as an accessory of the Kiritou Group
leader. There was no value in her being there. In fact, no one
noticed that she left the site.

Even so, unmanned security shouldnt be careless, should it.

Although I can understand wanting to boast about their products
to others.
The organizers of the nights party was a famous company
involved in manufacturing drones. That was why the most
advanced drones were deployed around the venue on which the
party was held. They must have had a lot of confidence to do such
a flashy dbut right before the party.

She went past the main entrance hall and entered a slightly open
area.

As snow lightly poured down, she cleared her thinking by taking a

deep breath several times.

The mask she hid behinda young lady and the real Kiritou
Haya. Although she tried to find the boundary between them, it
wasnt working.

haa.

Sometimes she didnt know.

A lifestyle that didnt allow her to reveal to anyone what she really
feltjust which one was her true self. Was that mask made
from scratch, or maybe it was born from something already
existing.

As she sought to perfectly play her role, the boundary between her
selves started to fade.
what can I say.

Although she was mocking herself, she knew very well in what
state she was in. Even though it was obvious no one was nearby,
her tone of voice didnt go back to normal. She could no longer
crudely retort to her own thoughts unless she put her mind to it.

It felt as if her body and mind were going to separate. She ignored
her own will, Kiritou Hayas personality switches, attracted by the
image spreading around her.

Even if I think about it, it cant be helped.

In order to leave the cold scenery she turned on her heel, leaving
her white breath behind. And then, she heard a sound from the
building in the back.

just now.

She stopped moving and listened. It wasnt clear since snow

absorbed the sound, but she definitely heard it. It sounded as if
someone has dropped something. Haya recalled the map of the
party site in her head.

In the back of the kitchen?

There was a light meal given at the party site. It wasnt weird to
have people in kitchen but that sound was too rough, a bit
unnatural.

lets take a look.

Driven by curiosity, Haya went towards where she heard the sound
come from.

A light crispy sound could be heard as she walked through the

snow, she quietly peeked from behind a corner. Then from the
kitchens widely opened back door, a little shadow came out from
inside.

For a moment she thought Is that a cat? but soon she rejected the
idea after she saw the size of the shadow.

Judging from the height, it seemed like a child? Although she

couldnt see well because it was dark, but it had something stuffed
in its bag.

Could it be a thief? I need to report to the security drones.

Haya opened a window to notify the security. However, her

movement was restricted by the pair of eyes of the shadow.

At that moment, the shadow poised like a wild beast and dashed
straight into Haya.
Eh, w-waitkyaa?!!

It was too sudden for her to do anything, blown away by the

shadow Haya rolled over in the snow. Using that as an opportunity,
the shadow ran beside her and disappeared in the darkness.

T-tthat hurt w-what was that? Eh?

As she stood up, she felt her right hand feeling uncomfortable. She
checked it fearfully not there.

A bracelet she always wears during parties. It was an accessory

decorated with small gems, it was gone from her right wrist. She
checked around to make sure if it didnt drop on the ground, but it
was nowhere to be found.

stolen?

She muttered that stunned, and immediately started running. Her

favourite bracelet was stolen, and it was infuriating. But that
wasnt why she was ran.

This is bad! How am I going to tell Father I lost it!

The one who gave it to her was her fatherKiritou Kouya.

For a daughter of Kiritou, an existence that had been educated to

act like a proper lady, losing such a thing would be a huge scandal.
The misconduct couldnt be recovered no matter the price paid.
Fortunately, she saw the shadows back soon after.

Found you! Stop right now!

The thief was quite slow. It was at a speed even Haya could catch
up to, even though she was wearing a party dress that forbid her to
sprint. Moreover, she was heading towards the main gate around
where security drones were deployed at.

Great, now hey, no wayy?!

Even if she runs shell get caughtjust when Haya thought so,
what entered her vision was an unbelievable scene. She crudely
protested against it while changing the way she spoke.

As the drones detected a suspicious person approaching, the

shadow manipulated a window with a practiced hand. Then, as if
losing all their power the drones suddenly stopped. Passing by the
drones which have turned into immobile figurines, the shadow
escaped from the premises.

*clink*, Haya, who was startled by the metallic sound, panicked

and followed her in a hurry.

Shes hacking in while running?! Is that a joke? Theres no way

thats possible?!!

That was beyond the common sense she knew.

The newest model of drones shouldve been a difficult target to
hack. Moreover, to do it with just the computing power of a
terminal and while on the move, it was beyond the region of what a
human could do. With that said, that couldnt be a normal human
being.

In any case, the top priority was to regain the present. After
drawing that simple conclusion Haya chased the shadow which
fled to the nearby park.

Please wait! Give back what you stole!

As she continued to chase the person running away, irritation

continued to build up. It wasnt the time to do this, she had to hurry
and go back to the party site!

Wait hey

Haya didnt even notice her tone of voice turned back to original
(normal) as she picked a fist-sized stone in anger. And with a
beautiful form she threw it

I SAID WAIT YOU DAMN FIILTHhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Along with an insult befitting a young lady, she threw the stone
with her full strength.
The stone flew in the straight line and *gosun!. With a direct hit
to the thiefs head, a nasty sound rang out. The shadow lost its
balance and fell to the ground.

Geez, dont make me overexert myself. Im taking this back.

She picked up the accessory which fell to the ground. However,

the shadow suddenly raised its body and threw a punch towards
Haya.

Thats cute.

But, Haya lightly caught it with the palm of her hand. She grabbed
the shadows arm and caught it in a hold on the ground. The joints
creaked as Haya put some strength into it, the thief cried out.

L-let go!

No way Ill do that. Ill say it now, I practice aikido. Dont think
youll get out of it that easily.

It hurtsss, ouchouch oucchhh?!!

For about a minute Haya held the thiefs arm with a sadistic smile
on her face.

When signs of resistance were gone, she let go of the arm. In order
to see the face of the thief she flipped the hoodand froze.
Judging from her physique, it was a child the same age as she was.

But her face lit up by the moonlight was beautiful beyond Hayas
imaginationthe term outstanding beauty appeared in her
head.

Refined and clean features. Her long black-bluish hair tied in a

careless manner scattered on top of pure white snow.

Although it was somewhat wild, no matter who was it, they would
describe her as a beautiful girl who exudes a fantasy atmosphere.

Haya stared at her in daze

*GYURURURU*

!!!!!!

A sound came from the girls thin bodyto be more specific

from her stomachtogether with that shameful sound, the girls
face was dyed red.

Inside of Hayas mind who was taken aback, the previous image of
a fantasy girl crumbled audibly.

That was Kiritou Hayas and Asumi Aokos, the two girls worst
possible first meeting.
 Chapter 1 Light of everyday life

Part 1
It was in the middle of May, a warm day that was a sign of the
coming summer. Seeing this refreshing weather, he could
understand the opinion of people who said Spring and Autumn are
the most pleasant times of the year.

Thats perfect, this is the troisime plus [1] busiest time of

Student Council; youre entering arent you. You know why?

The warmth and cheerful weather from outside didnt reach the
place he was in, an abandoned school building. After school was
over, in the school buildings furthest classroom a dignified voice
echoed.

The busiest time is of course the time around the school festival.
Of course theres the cultural festival committee, but theyre too
busy to help either the student council or the teachers. The second
busiest time is Shinkansai which is similar to the school festival.
Because there are many reckless guys trying to acquire club
members for themselves, there are a lot of problems happening.
Because of a certain trio that stood out in both cultural-based clubs
as well as sport-based clubs, everyone rushed over to inquire about
them which resulted in us getting flooded.
With a tone of voice that revealed that its owner was considerably
annoyed, it continued over and over again.

certain trio was accented strongly, there was no way he

misheard it.

And so, the third time is now. A month after the new term begins,
each and every student seems to be in a festive mood, especially
the freshmen. I dont know whether its the recoil after the
examination war, but there are a lot of people fooling around.
Thanks to that, the amount of work we have to do increases.

The girl stopped moving and brushed away her long black hair
behind her ears. Her usually hidden self peeked out, normally it
would have caught his line of sight and wouldnt let it go.

Hey, where are you looking. You, dont you know whats your
standing is now?

However, it would not be good to look at the girl at the moment.

She nudged the boys head with her index finger. Dignity was
exuded with every gesture the girl made, he felt a terrible disparity
between that and her harsh tone of voice.

just what about this girl is ladylike.

Taiga. Did you say anything?

She picked up his quiet complaint, The fake yamato nadeshiko
Kiritou Haya was all smiles. But those smiles of her werent
reflected in her eyes, making it scary.

The boy who was sitting on the floor in seizaTenryo Taiga let
out a small sigh.

It was Fridays afternoon, and it was currently the time that Kiritou
Academy switched into specialized course lectures.

To explain why was he sitting in seiza at such a time, we have to

go back two weeks into the past.

Taigas little sister, Tenryo Fuyuki and her best friend from the
past Karasuba Shio.

The two girls were reunited and became friends once again two
weeks ago. Although there was an unnecessary obstacle that
caused complications, they were able to safely repair their past
relationship. Because of that case, there was an unexpected lasting
effectwhich had nothing to do with the case itself.

Not only did you used my Arclight without permission, you also
broke it youre going to accept this punishment arent you?

What became a huge problem, was him borrowing (practically

without permission) two Arclights in order to head to where
Fuyuki and Shio were. After defeating Zygote and logging out
he carelessly dropped it on the floor.

The Arclights were machines that allowed the human spirit enter
the virtual world. Although they were quite durable, they arent
supposed to be handled so roughly.

Moreover, the worst thing was the fact that the Arclight Taiga
dropped was one of the rare custom-made models prepared by one
of the four cyber-related companies, Namisagi.

On top of being ignorant when it comes to machines, all he had in

his head at the time was Fuyuki so he forgot to adjust his strength,
which resulted in the Arclight being damaged. And now, after
everything was calm down he was being scolded. By the way, the
one who told him to sit in seiza was Haya.

Im sorry for breaking it. Ill do anything to compensate you.

What compensation, come on. Do you know how valuable this

Arclight was?

Was it that expensive?

Its a special made-to-order good. If I were to auction it well,

about a million yen I guess?
Milionn?! Wait, wait a moment. Why did you bring something
like that to school!!

That number of digits normally doesnt appear in daily life.

The Arclight was held in a case before, there was no need to use
any key to open it. Anyone could take it and leave with it were
they to feel like it. It was too careless.

It couldnt be helped. Were I to keep it in the house it might have

been disposed of without my permission.

Who would dispose of such a valuable thing?

Kiritou Group leader, Kiritou Kouya.

your Father?

Yes, blood related.

Haya didnt even try to hide her look of displeasure, she sat on the
couch with a strong momentum and crossed her legs.

Various things became visible to Taiga who was sitting in seiza, he

wondered if she was aware of it. For the time being he averted his
gaze.

Why would your father throw away your personal belongings? Is

it because its a product of another of the four major companies?
Theres that but Ive told you before didnt I, about Asumi
Aoko.

Ahh, you said she was your friend who died last year, right?

Its Aokos memento, this Arclight.

seriously?

He was told something so amazing in a frank tone.

Two years ago, I was sent two of them as a present celebrating

entering this school. Since there were two of them, I gave one to
Aoko. Although Aoko was a researcher, she wasnt getting along
with the leaders. After she died, most of her personal belongings
were disposed of.

That seems like she was really hated.

I guess. The only memento I managed to recover before it was

disposed of is this Arclight.

So it was that important Im sorry.

Taiga felt really apologetic and bowed deeply. He knew that the
problem wont be resolved by him apologizing, but thats the only
thing he could do.

After seeing him make a concerned expression as he looked down,

Haya put a finger on her lips pondering.

Of course she didnt think of whether to forgive him or not

rather, she thought of how to take advantage of this situation.

Honestly speaking, she wasnt all that fond of that Arclight. It was
true that it was a keepsake, but the reason she clung to it wasnt its
properties but more like because its rare.

Then what should she have Taiga who was sitting in seiza do
because she was irritated by the amount of work to do, she told
him to help with that in an outburst of anger.

The work in Kiritou is all right, student councils isgeez, I

have no idea about the school events.

In her mind, she spat out words unbefitting the Student Council
President.

Shinkansai was over, and the club activities began in earnest. The
student Council was pretty busy.

Although she didnt want to do it, Haya as the student council

president was required to make the final decision and look through
almost all of the projects. There were a ton of them.

If there were at least one more person in charge of filling the

documents
ah, there is.

Of course there is one. Someone whom she could use as she

pleases (in a psychological sense), moreover this someone who
feels like he owes her a lot was right in front of her.

Hey Taiga, you know about the work you were helping out with
until the last week right?

The one you made me do in exchange for helping us contact

Shio

Then thats perfect. Starting from next Thursday help me out

again. If you do that, Ill forget about the matter of the Arclight.

its all right with just that?

It was an unexpectedly good turn of events for him. As he asked

about it, Haya shook her hands while saying I dont mind.. Well,
if she says so then he wont complain about it.

Even so, whats happening next week ah, the midterms are over
arent they.

Thats right.

It was nearly halfway through the semester. No different from all

other educational institutions, Kiritou Academy had the first hurdle
for the students, three days of mid-term exam. Knowing about
routine testing ever since admission, Taiga continued to study
diligently every day.

Speaking of the tests, are you all right? It would be a troublesome

matter for me were you to be in the red.

Troublesome?

Even if he was to be in the red, that was Taigas own problem. It

should have nothing to do with Haya. When he thought like that

If a student of the cyber department is in the red, all teachers in

charge of specialized courses are contacted. The teacher in charge
is called and said to come directly.

That means, if I fail

The fact that Configuration of virtual personality is a

fictional lecture will be revealed.

The specialized course called Configuration of virtual

personality they were officially registered with didnt really
exist. The teacher in charge Takiha Yori was just an anagram of
Kirito Haya, it was a fictional lecture Haya prepared.

Means well get punished if its found out.

Of course. Iora, come out.

As Haya called out, a fairy-like small girl in a blue outfit appeared
in mid-airAIIolite. It was a personality made by Hayas
program.

Called me, damn it?

If Im not wrong, the first years were supposed to have a small

test yesterday. How were Taigas results?

Yesterday? Was there supposed to be a small test yesterday?

As Haya questioned her, Iora tilted her neck cutely. She closed her
eyes to explore her memory, she didnt seem to find it.

There was one, hey I told you that yesterday. How can you
forget it despite being an AI?

Grr O-oh, Ive entered the damn database.

Haya frowned wondering.

Iora had no functions that would allow her to forget any data.
Thats why forget was used as a joke she wondered if some
kind of bug had occur.

Need to take note of it.

She moved the doubt to the corner of her mind leaving it for later
and asked again.

Want me to be honest?

considering your figure of speech, it must be terrible.

The bad parts are really horrible, the good parts are really
amazing. Its an unusually extreme academic ability. The
memorization-based subjects are perfect, in exchange both
classical and modern language are fucking below the red line.

Whats that. Does someone like that really exist?

Honestly Im lost, I dont know whether I should call him an

idiot or moron.

Arent both of them the same? Hey, so you thought of me like

that Iora!?

Ops. Slip of the tongue.

Iora revealed an evil smile just like that of her Master (just a little
bit less sharp). Why does she have to resemble her in this kind of
manner.

Well, lets leave how Taigas head works aside how are the
midterms going to look at this rate.

Its almost certain hes going to fail.

Not good theres only three days left until the test. He wont
make it.
Cyber World
No, Ive been studying lately instead of entering Elysion.

Someone like you who has no foundation whatsoever cant study

alone. And Iora who took upon herself the role of your teacher is
quite ignorant of feelings, unable to do neither classic nor modern
language cant be helped.

Haya let out a small sigh as if giving up. And

This Sunday, Ill be coming to your house to help you study.

Prepare yourself.

ha?

To this sudden declaration, Taiga responded with a dumb

expression.

Part 2
then Onii-san wont be coming on for a while?
Thats right. Geez, what is he gonna do about the school exams.

A girls voice resounded in a blue glittering cave that couldnt

exist in reality.

The voice echoed again and again as it hit the walls made out of
crystal clear ore and was twisted so much that it came back as if it
was a wild animals voice.

After a chorus of ten or twenty voices calmed down, a girl with

chestnut brown hair took a step forward.

Hey, its about time to stop talking! Prepare yourself, you two!

Between her five fingers she held characteristic pebbles,

Creative Stones. A girl in white coat, Saionji Rui dropped her
waist lower in preparation for the swarm of enemies incoming.
Ready anytime, thats what the posture seemed to relay.

They finally come out. They had us walking for quite a while.

we were walking for only about five minutes, Hime-chan.

Seeing Ruis movement in front of them, the two also prepared

their weapons.

With long and glossy black hair reaching her waist, a girl in a
remodelled kimono decorated with black and red colours
Tenryo Fuyuki.
And with faintly shining silver hair, a girl in a hunter costume in
the image of elvesKarasuba Shio.

They were armed with a red folding fan and a bow, they deployed
them in order to cover Rui and looked ahead towards the back of
the cave.

Umm, while Rui-chan is attracting enemies, Hime-chan and I are

supposed to attack right?

Yep yep. Fuyuki will attack from range, and Shio-chan will aim
her tracking bullets just like a sniper. Lets go!

Eventually about a pack of wolves numbering over thirty appeared

from the darkness, they all had transparent bodies.

Crystal wolves. They are the weakest among the monsters in here,
but since the two of you have a weak defence, dont go in front.
Especially Shio-chan!

I know, Little Sisters defence is very low.

Rui jumped in front with a strong momentum, the wolves raised a

howl.

As the pack of wolves spread to the full width of the cave, the
thrown Creative Stones changed into blades, and just a moment
after that arrows of flame were released.
The blades which landed under the wolves exploded with a flash
blowing them into pieces.

And the flame arrow divided into an infinite number of smaller

ones while in the air, and after homing in on the quickly-moving
wolves shot them down one after another.

YAAAAAAAAAaaaa!

After they were herded together, Rui threw blades in there.

Threatening the enemy with a medium-ranged attack to bring them
in to close rangethat was Ruis basic tactic.

The enemy ranks were destroyed completely, however half of them

that stayed in the back and were unaffected by Ruis attack, bared
their fangs and attacked with vigour. The completely neglected
other half turned their sharp fangs towards Fuyuki and Shio who
were staying in the back.

They completely ignored Ruis movements, Fuyuki sighed lightly.

Seriously first you tell us not to get in front, and then you go
leaving the half to us. Arent you contradicting yourself?

Thats quite responsible of Rui-chan, isnt it what do we do?

Little Sister will stop them from moving, Shii-chan will deal the
finishing blow.
Yup, got it.

Neither Fuyuki nor Shio were panicking, they calmly prepared to

intercept the wolves.

Right before they could be devoured by the wolves, Fuyuki

destroyed four Elemental Spheres. Two blue and two white ones
right after they appeared.
Quadruple Sphere Chain
Square SpellCocytus

In response to her voice command, countless amounts of icicles

appeared from the walls, the floor and the ceiling. The scattered
pack of wolves were hit by the icicles and frozen in the mid-air.

I leave the rest to you.

Yup. Partizan!

A huge rotating spear of ice was released in a straight line, or

rather it was released piercing through the crystal wolves that were
lined up.

The thick ice spear pierced through the wolves with as much ease
as it would have piercing a human body and disappeared in the
depths of the cave.
A secondary world made up of dataCyber World
Elysion

A world similar to a mythological utopia, created and maintained

with various electronics. It became a necessity people cannot live
without these days.

There was a countless number of structures making up this world,

one of them was Aries. A virtual space based on a fantasy
world. In here Taiga and Fuyukithe Tenryo siblings had their
part-time job. Their work was akin to playing a game, they
subdued monsters. It was quite good in its own way.

In the southern part of it, there was an A-ranked difficulty dungeon

named Crystal Cave. Inside of it, there were Fuyuki, Rui and
Shio.

Ohho, it seems you cleared them up over here as well.

why are you going Ohho now.

Fuyuki was clearly annoyed and hit her best friend who laughed
optimistically.

Brother isnt here, Rucchans the only vanguard you know? Itll
be troubling if you dont do it more seriously.

I know that. Isnt our current goal a rank up & special training for
Shio-chan? Thats why it would be troubling unless she fought as
well. Am I wrong?

youre not. But please say a few words in advance next time.

Certainly, they were hunting in order to earn Shio a rank-up, if its

a group with both Fuyuki and Rui it could be done. However, if
its the players skill then the player herself has to take part as well.

Im sorry you two. Helping me to rank-up

Its fine its fine. Since Taiga isnt here any way, we cant hunt
anything down, so we have nothing to do!

Youre really honest. But youre right.

but the two of you are in the same school as Onii-san arent
you? Is it fine for you not to study for the test?

Both Fuyuki and Rui were also first years in Kiritou Academy
Cyber Department. Of course, they had the same test in three days.

Although Shio never attended school, she knew that tests were an
important event in school life.

Little Sister and Rucchan study regularly. We wont do something

as pathetic as studying right before the test.

It seemed like there were thorns in the way you said that?

Of course. Just when Shii-chan came back safely and we should

be able to play together, the four of us, that brother

Well well, its going to be his first periodic exam so let him do his
best. Wasnt he studying in his room every day after school?

Because of that, the amount of time we can flirt together was

reduced!

Ah, so thats the reason for your grumpy mood?

Learning about her super selfish reason, both Rui and Shio were
unconsciously astounded. Well, they knew that Fuyuki was a bro-
con for years, so it wasnt all that surprising.

but wouldnt he be happy if Hime-chan helps him study?

I think Shii-chan is aware of that, but Little Sister is poor at

teaching people

Ahthats right.

Shio was being taught by Fuyuki before, it couldnt be called good

even as a compliment. Fuyuki was a genius whose thinking
circuitry was different from other people. She wasnt suited to
teaching others.

Moreover, Brother doesnt want to rely on his little sister. Hes

been working hard until a late hour at night.
Lately, he hasnt been coming to Paradise either. Are his
meals all right?

For the time being, hes living on the retort pouch type of food.

Ruis parents were running a caf named Paradise, ever since

the siblings moved in a month ago they were eating their meals
over there. Every day they ate a meal there in the morning, and
went out to eat there every second evening.

Over the past few days, the siblings didnt show their faces
together in there. It was natural that Rui would be interested.

I see Im a bit worried

Is studying that difficult?

Only a few people have trouble with it. Certainly, Kiritou

Academys level and especially the Cyber Departments level is
high, but usually people dont have any problems with it.

Although Fuyuki said that, actually about half of the students who
start in Cyber Department are busy cramming. If they are in the
red, the person in charge of their specialized lecture is called, in the
worst case they might get held back immediately.

However, Fuyuki (top student in her year) and Rui (the runner-up)
didnt have to worry about such things.
The test period ends in the second half of the second week, at this
rate you should be able to rank-up before then. For now its just the
three of us.

I wanted to show the results of the special training to Onii-san as

soon as possible it cant be helped.

Special training?

Hearing the unfamiliar phrase, both Fuyuki and Rui stared at her
head questioningly.

Ah, yes. Recently Ive asked Onii-san about how to train my

body. I just started but it seems like Ive become more able at
handling the bow.

When did that happen? Little Sister hasnt heard a word about
that?

About five oclock in the morning? I wake up at that hour every

day.

Grrrrr, so early.

If its five oclock in the morning, then Taiga would normally be

training while Fuyuki of course was still sleeping.

Damn Brother, having trysts with Shii-chan behind Little Sisters

back unforgivable.
T-trysts?!

If a pair consisting of a man and a woman meet up in secret, thats

certainly a tryst. In this case secretly was a wrong assumption of
Fuyukis. Shio was impatient to correct these words.

U-umm, Hime-chan! Its nothing like a tryst! Im just being

taught some tips by Onii-san, nothing else!

She hoped it would be passed off as a joke, since their words were
dripping with jealousy.

However, because Shios panic button was pushed and she was
completely flusteredit seemed to them as if she really was
guilty of something.

With that suspicious reaction, Fuyuki stared daggers into her. Rui
threw a warm glance at Fuyuki which said, ahhits like that
after all and ganged up with Fuyuki against Shio.
um, Hime-chan? Your faces scary?

Ive wanted to ask about it for a while already, Shii-chan is older

than Brother, so why are you calling him Onii-san? Is there any
special reason?

A reason

There was nonethat was the truth. Not knowing that they are
twins, she started calling him that knowing that hes Fuyukis older
brother.

But if she said theres nothing that would be a lie as well

why did you start blushing.

Fuee?!

As she recalled his sweaty appearance as he was changing and got

intoxicated by the heat coming from her heart, her cheeks were
grabbed by Fuyuki and pulled.

Eres othig Hwime-hyan.

Listen up. Brother belongs to Little Sister, and Little Sister is

Brothers. I wont hand him over even to Shii-chan!

youre sleeping together every night, isnt this much fine?

In Ruis murmur there was jealousy mixed in.

Although Fuyuki was jealous over every little thing, the one who
would be spending the most time with Taiga would be her. That
would be normal for twin siblings, but they go to the extent of
sleeping together.

In that case, (important point) the one who spends the least time
with him would be Rui. Since she also liked Taiga wanting to
complain about it was granted.

But a special training. Certainly, Shio-chans gotten really

good. You dont miss with the piercing bullets any more. How is
it, the new model of Cryoflare made by Rui-san?

Its much easier to use than before. Also, you have added a new
type of arrow, I have more ways to fight like this.

Well it is an attack-configured program made by Rucchan. The

old one might have been a prize for winning a championship in the
arena, but this one is a few stages above that.

The viruses and bugs that appear in this worldin order to

defeat them after they take a form of a monster in Aries, an
attack-configured program is needed.

Taigas Heavenly Sword and Fuyukis Elemental Sphere

were attack-configured programs made by Rui, their
performance was much higher than the ones that were
commercially available.

And now also Shios attack-configured program, a bow that could

manipulate two opposite attributes of ice and fire Cryoflare.

Although it was originally a prize for winning the

UNKNOWN tournament, it was broken the other day.

Thats why Rui remade the program from scratch and also
improved it.

As a result, despite having a week long history of gameplay in

Aries, Shios attack power has already reached a level close to
that of an A-rank.

After collecting spoils from the defeated crystal wolves, Rui called
out to the two.

Come on, its about time to go. Lets do another circle over the
field, hurry.

Fighting against small fries is tedious. How about we ignore them

and run through?

Ehh, isnt it impossible with Fuyukis and Shio-chans legs?

Rucchan can carry both of us. Were light so the brute strength of
an S-rank will manage somehow.
Whether I can do it or not is not the problem, thats

The three girls moved towards the back of the cave while chatting.
This was their current daily life.

Ever since Karasuba Shio joined them, the daily life the girls lived
has become more fun.

Ah, Fuyuki. Theres something I want to talk about with you

concerning the specialized course, do you have time this evening?

Sure. Through the phone?

Nnn, if possible I want to meet face-to-face oh right. I thought

of something nicee.

Something nice?

Nfufu its a secret.

As Rui started skipping in good humour, Fuyuki stared at her in

wonder.

Part 3
Aahhh, so tired

After he finished studying in his room, Taiga lightly rotated his

arms to stretch.

He checked the terminal and found that it was already seven

oclock. Since he came back home at four oclock, that meant he
was glued to the desk for about three hours.

Thats quite long even if I say so myself even so, my performance

isnt improving despite spending more time on it.

Although he didnt miss morning training, he hasnt logged into

Aries for a week already. And that meant the amount of
opportunities to wield a sword has decreased.

For Taiga, Aries was a valuable place he could unload his

stress in.

Although they obtained a new life a month ago and lived it

leisurely, but experiencing combat was also valuable in modern
society. Deprived of an opportunity to dump his accumulated
frustration that way, had an adverse effect and his academic ability
worsenedbut he wasnt aware of that.

I need to switch myself to studying completely.

Lets prepare some rice in the cooker and just when he was
thinking about the menu, the interphones bell sounded informing
him about a visitor, Fuyukis voice could be heard from another
room.
Oh, youre here. Doors open so please come in!

Heyaa, Im a bit late. Can you carry this in?

What are you saying to the powerless Little Sister Brother,

please come for a moment

Sure.

After responding lightly, he headed towards the front door.

He knew whose voice that wasor rather, there was only one
person whom Fuyuki would call overSaionji Rui was standing
there in plain clothes. She was holding a shopping bag in her hand.

So its Rui after all. What happened for you to come this late?

Theres something I need to do together with Fuyuki. Ah, please

hold this.

In the shopping bag he was passed were vegetables and meat.

Whats up with these ingredients?

Fufu Paradise is on a business trip to the Tenryo house.

She loudly declared that while spreading an apron she took out
from a handbag.
*ton* *ton* *ton*a light sound echoed throughout the house.

Although Tenryo had a high performance kitchen, it was being

wasted since no one used it. This evening however was different
from others.

Funfunfufun

Rui was humming happily as she rhythmically cut the vegetables.

She had a yellow apron on top of her usual skimpy outfit and her
chestnut hair tied in a ponytail swayed lightly.[2]

Brother, youre ogling her too much.

Taiga admired the sight of Rui working in the kitchen to the point
he didnt realize Fuyuki was talking to him.

It wasnt a seductive charm. Certainly the sight of a girl in an

apron was something that couldnt be seen every day and had a
considerable sex appeal. But more than that, there was something
that put his mind at ease as he saw her cooking from behind.

Hmph!!

Guohaa?!

Suddenly an enormous shock hit the back of his head.

He looked up after his face fell and hit the table to see where that
hit came from, he saw Fuyuki standing there making an
intimidating pose, acting trigger happy with a clunky machine she
was holding and looking down on him.

I wont forgive being charmed by any other girl than Little Sister,
shitty Brother. Shall I physically erase your memory?

I-Imouto-sama just now that was dangerous my head made a

weird ding sound

Before she erases his memory, his skull will be already cracked.

Fortunately, it didnt seem like he was bleeding (he was quite

sturdy but he checked it just in case), then he recovered and started
daydreaming while staring at Rui in her apron again.

Want another one?

Sorry Ill stop right now no, this somehow gives me a nostalgic
feeling.

Nostalgic, is it?

Yeah a family, that kind of feeling.

Family, when that word came out Fuyuki downcast her eyes.

Eight years ago, the young siblings had lost their parents in a blink
of an eye. That was probably why the siblings were so intimate
with each otheras if to cover up that loss.

Kept you waiting, its done hey, whats up with you two?

nothing. Come on Fuyuki, sit down.

Seeing Taiga act as if he tried to cover something up, Rui was

puzzled.

Then, its about time for Rui-san to go home.

It was past eight oclock in the evening, After cleaning up and

finishing consultation on a problem which was the main purpose of
her coming over, Rui stood up from her seat and headed towards
the entrance with Taiga.

Ill escort you home.

Its still early isnt it? Ill be fine alone.

I just feel like taking a walk, so might as well. Fuyuki, go ahead

and take a bath.

Understood. Dont come back too late.

Taiga and Rui walked under the night sky and the street lights.

The caf Ruis parents were running was a short distance of 3

minutes by foot away. The shops exterior looked like a bar located
in the corner of an alley that stretched from the main street
they arrived at caf Paradise almost immediately.

It seemed like it was thriving in its own way, many voices could be
heard from inside of the store.

Well then, see you tomorrow.

Ah, wait a moment. Wont you come upstairs with me for a

moment?

As Taiga was about to turn away and head back, he was held back
by Rui.

At this late hour?

Theres nothing in particular that I want to do but I thought its

been a while since weve talked with just the two of us.

She was embarrassed by her own words and her cheeks faintly
blushed.

Its a chancethats what she thought when Taiga said hell

take her home.

Whether its school or Aries they were always accompanied

by Fuyuki and havent had a chance to be alone together. She was
really frustrated about that.
Is that no good?

So this was her small selfishness.

It was impossible for Taiga to refuse her invitation as she peeked at

him from under him. He shook his head lightly and followed her as
she happily entered the shop.

They went up to the second floor from the stairs in the back of the
store and entered Ruis room which was the furthest in the back.

As usual, your room is full of stuff.

Muu, its not like theres a mess in here so thats fine. Ill bring
you a coffee.

As Rui stood up, Taiga took a breather and looked around the
room.

He has been in her room for like ten times before, but its interior
hasnt changed at all. Since it was too silent, he picked up a
Rubiks Cube that lay nearby and started to fiddle with it.

Since he was bored and wanted to kill time, he solved it

immediatelyor was supposed to.

What?

The movement of his fingers was somewhat dull, it wasnt

working out well. Rui who came back stared at him as he struggled
and started to think about something, she looked at Taigas face
from up close.

Taiga, can it be that youre tired?

Eh?

He was confused by her words. It didnt feel like it. But Rui was
confident about the cause of his malfunction.

Yup. Your eyes are more blurred than usual, so I can tell. Did you
sleep properly yesterday?

Yesterday about two hours.

Why just two hours?

Its like that every day. I begin morning practice before four
oclock in the morning, I completely recover from two hours of
sleep.

Rui was shocked, but for Taiga that was normal.

Certainly, his amount of sleep didnt change. But Taiga

accumulated mental fatigue by studying daily while not noticing it
himself, moreover frustration accumulated because he was unable
to exercise himself physically. All of these have accumulated and
turned into fatigue.
Muu

She made a displeased expression.

Its been a while since they were alone together. She didnt know
when the next time would come were she to miss this opportunity.
Thats why, the fact that she thought I want him to rest surprised
her.

it cant be helped.

Dats no good. Come on, over here.

H-hey

Rui sat down on the bed and lightly patted her lap.

Even Taiga knew what that gesture meant.

you dont mean you want me to sleep there?

YES.

It was the so-called lap pillow.

I feel like saying lots of things but for now, tell me why.

To help you relax? Come on, hurry hurry. Dont waste time.

He hurried towards Rui and reluctantly lay down. He swallowed

saliva involuntarily as he slowly lied his head down on the
voluptuous things exposed by her hot pants

Oh?

How is it? Does it feel good?

The moment he entrusted his head to it, her thighs sank in slightly
and accepted his head gently.

A neither too firm nor too soft comfort continued to spread through
his whole body and power left his limbs bit by bit.

This is nice.

Right? Fuyuki said before that Rui-sans lap rivals the most
comfortable pillows.

How did such a conversation come to be?

It couldnt be something just friends talk about.

With that said though, he could understand why Fuyuki said that. It
certainly felt good.

Since she was trained by working in the caf, her leg muscles
moderately accepted the weight of his head. He could stay like that
for hours.

does Rui-san resemble Taigas Mother?

Rui asked an unexpected question. He was reminded of the
conversation back at home and answered quietly.

Did you hear that?

No, I asked Fuyuki about it afterwards since you two looked

strange.

I see if you ask about resemblance, then you arent alike. She
was very different from you and couldnt do any housework at all.
But

But?

the bright atmosphere around you is similar to hers.

She was an incredibly cheerful person.

She played with her children as if she was the same age as them,
when she was doing her job she looked like she was enjoying
herself, a human rich with emotions and facial expressions.

Those aspects of hers were similar to Ruis.

there, there.

Before he noticed, Rui started to gently stroke his head.

Taiga involuntarily narrowed his eyes feeling comfortable and

warm, but what left his mouth seemed to say something different.
Im not a child

I know. But look, isnt it fine to be the one thats spoiled once in a
while?

And so, she continued to stroke his head. And as if to finish him
off, she spun the words.

It might be because of Fuyuki, but Taigas always on the spoiling

side. Youre taking care of Shio-chan as well dont you?

Well I guess.

Thatll surely tire you out. Come on, Rui-san will spoil you so
relax.

No, thats

It happened when he was about to respond.

eh?

His vision distorted.

It was dizziness beyond what happened when he logged in,

darkness clouded his thoughts and his eyelids closed by
themselves.

Drowsiness?
Impossible.

Certainly he felt like falling asleep. But this was different. He

should be able to limit it. During sleep, people are completely
defenceless.

Taiga who was always wary of night assaults was ready to jump up
at any sign of life. The only exception to that was Fuyuki who was
his family.

Thats why, being vulnerable in front of someone like this was

Its fine to sleep. Rui-san will wake you up later.

No but

Its fine. Close your eyes.

Hearing her gentle voice and being patted on the head, his thinking
gradually melted.

It was impossible for him to resist his eyelids dropping, Taiga

slowly closed them shut.

SorryIll sleepa bit

Yup. Good night.

Seen off by Rui, Taiga sank into the world of dreams.

Ha how cute.

Rui stared at his face as he slept on her lap.

He rubbed his cheeks against her slightly and whenever she

stopped stroking his head he frowned as if saying dont stop.
Every each of his reactions were unbearable and lovely.

Taigas amazing. Not only Fuyuki and Rui-san, he even had

Shio-chan fall for him. The amount of rivals increased by one
again.

Although Shios feelings still felt like an extension of admiration,

but without a doubt she liked him.

While she was quite displeased by that, but at the same time she
was proud of him.

Proud of the fact that the boy she fell in love with was so
charming, that he made other people fall for him, proving his
charm even further.

rest well.

She murmured lightly and contacted Fuyuki.

Ah, Fuyuki? Its about Taiga, is it fine to borrow him for a bit?
no. The shops a little busy, so I want him to help out. Yup, about
two hours. Ill send him home after the peak hours pass. Also one
more thing, about tomorrowIm thinking of using the ticket
from before. Can you call Shio-chan?

On the second floor of Saionji family house, in Ruis room the two
leisurely spent their time together.

Part 4
Im back.

Her quiet murmur dispersed away in the empty room.

The Kiritou Groups headquarters that was located in New City

a tall building with thirty-five floors, on the thirty-third floor
there was Hayas private room.

It was different from her dedicated laboratory on another floor, it

was her own perfectly private room.

There was a Kiritou households mansion built in a prime location

of the New City, but she hasnt gone back there for years. For her,
this was her home.

She opened the blinds through the rooms management system,

vermilion sunset light entered the room.
As expected of a view from over hundred and ten metres above the
ground. The view over the city was perfect. Haya took off her
uniforms jacket and took out water from refrigerator, she sat down
on a massage chair that has been taking care of her lately.

Theres no work to do, so lets take it slow for now.

The company has been frequently dealing with large-scale

structure problems recently, Haya already completed the tasks
given to her.

At this time, she was able to enjoy a little bit of free time. Of
course, unless shes entrusted with new work.

Master. Do you mind if I materialized?

Go on.

From the projector the bracelet-type terminal attached to Hayas

wrist was equipped with, the AIIolites figure was projected.
The figure projected was not the usual fairy-scale, but life-size
comparable to that of Hayas.

Its unusual for you to appear in this size. What made you change
your mind?

I just feel like it, theres nothing in particular.

is that so.
Iora could freely change the size she appeared in. Thats because
other than navigation purpose, she was intended to be the
owners friend

This appearance, its just like her

Asumi Aoko. A researcher affiliated with Kiritou and the co-

developer of Iolite. Also, the one and only friend of Hayas.

A girl who was forced into researching things she didnt want to
because of her talent, used and broken.

Master, look at this dammit.

As Haya immersed herself in the sentiment while remembering the

past, Iora held out a window towards her. On it Periodic tests
expected problems s exercise book was written.

What happened, this is?

Youre going to tutor Taiga in his home tomorrow right? Ive

summarized the trends over the past few years, use it.

you made it by yourself?

Of course.

As Iora revealed a proud smile, Haya couldnt hide her surprise.

One month ago she noticed that Ioras emotions were developing,
but for her to evolve to the point of doing something for someone
elses sake.

I allowed her to roam freely a while ago it seems like it was a

good stimulus.

Since she was busy and couldnt take care of her, there was no
choice but to do so.

Its your memorable first date. Failure is unforgivable.

Ha?

weird. A strange term appeared.

Wait a little. First what?

Aint that a damn date?

What did you misunderstand to come up with such an answer

But Masters goin to a mans home, that kind of crap never

happened before has it?

After being told that, she realized that was certainly true. As far as
her memory went back, she didnt remember going over to a
friends place to play, even Aoko who was her best friend lived in
the same headquarters building. though, that didnt make Taiga
special in any way.
Its been a while since she was able to rest.

But with just a single call, her leisure time has been crushed. As
she lowered her eyelids dozing off, a window opened on the corner
of her field of vision and she jumped up seeing the callers name.

Master?

She silenced Iora with a gesture and cooled her mind off by taking
a breath few times.

Deeper and deeper, she buried her own self in the darkness. The
one who was in here was the daughter of Kiritou Groups
president, a researchershe used her routine self-suggestion
like that.

Hello.

Its me, head to the third conference room immediately.

An overbearing voice shook her eardrum without any greeting. She

was instructed without being given any reason and thought of a
possibility that caught her heart.

I sent you a written notice. Carry it out as soon as possible.

Understood.

The call ended with a minimal exchange of words.

Talking back to even the most unreasonable of instructions was
unforgivable. Hayas fatherKiritou Kouyas words were an
absolute chain in that it tied her mind.

Is it work?

Yeah I need to stay up all night, it cant be helped.

She checked the written directive sent by e-mail and let out a small
sigh.

It was possible that it would take until noon tomorrowuntil the

appointed time. Guessing that, Ioras expression clouded over
slightly.

Will you cancel tomorrows study session?

no, its fine.

Haya shook her head lightly.

Honestly, that was a quite tough schedule but she didnt want
the exercise book Iora went through so much trouble making to go
to waste.

Ill finish on time somehow. Will you help me?

Understood, Master.

With Iora on her shoulder, Haya went down the headquarters

building by elevator.

Part 5
*slooshhh*, a cool sound of waves rang out.

The upcoming waves wet Taigas feet and bounced off after
finding resistance.

It was the sea.

Waves appeared on the crystal clear greenish water moved by the

wind, it shone brilliantly reflecting the light of sun it was showered
with. Pure white sand spread far and wide, it was white like chalk
and hot, raising the body temperature through the soles of his feet.

By the way, it was still May. Too fast for the beach to be open for
use.

well, its the virtual world. I guess there are things like these as
well.

Taiga looked up at the sun that radiated heat without any mercy
and squinted.

What he was wearing wasnt his usual long coat, instead he was
wearing black trunks.

Why was he in a place like thishe recalled what happened a

few minutes earlier.

After finishing his morning practice he went straight to Aries

after being invited over by Rui.

And the place she told him to come through Transition push was
herea new area Emerald Sea that was supposed to be
implemented next week. Only ten people in all of Aries, namely
people with an S-rank, were able to experience the area before it
came out.

And thus, four people used that right together with her, coming to
play in the sea.

However, there was only Taiga in this place at the moment. The
other three told him to wait and left after passing him data for the
trunks.

I can imagine what they are doing but did they really have to
move away for that?

He had first hand experience, unlike in reality changing clothes

took only a moment. It didnt expose anything.

Even so, they moved all the way to disappear from his sight
despite not needing to do so

I cant calm down.

It felt as if a heavy blow dealt to him was postponed.

And then, the terminals window opened as he received a call. He

was suspicious after seeing the callers name, but he immediately
answered.

What is it Leon?

Heya. Got a moment?

The person displayed on the screen was an older manLeon.

A player he got acquainted with when he toured Aries together

with Shio two weeks earlier, leader of a clan named Lion
Alliance. He was one of few acquaintances of the same gender
he had, so he stayed in touch with him occasionally ever since the
incident happened.

Theres something Im worried about. You were investigating

the Angel werent you?

Yeah. You got something?

Angelthe unidentified virtual body that was the culprit

during the incident with Shio.
Its purpose was unknown. Nevertheless, Taiga instinctively
recognized it as enemy. Although he asked Leon to continue
gathering information about it, there wasnt any movements.

It seems like its on the move big time. Various programs made
by Angel appear not only in Aries but also other multiple
large-scale structures. This time its attack-configured programs,
and the rate at which it spreading is far beyond how it was last
time.

Attack-configured programs?

Yeah, their performance is pretty good and Ive seen an

abundance of types out there when I recently looked around the
city centre. For the time being I thought Id tell you information on
Angel.

After receiving Leons report, Taiga started wondering.

Attack-configured programs were something essential to a large-

scale structure. Although the most basic ones were given to people
from the management, after getting used to those, people look for
ones that have a better performance. Thats why Angels
actions would be considered a godsend by players.

But simply because Taiga knew Shios case, he felt anxious over
what Angels real purpose was.
can you obtain one of these attack-configured programs? As
soon as possible.

As Taiga requested that, Leon put a hand on his chin and thought.

even if I hurry, it might take a while.

Got it. Then how about three times?

Okay. Deal.

Hell help them out in combat three timeshe agreed on

helping Lion Alliance when they were short of battle
potential, that was the deal he made. When asking Leon for a
favour, thats the method Taiga used. He already familiarized
himself with it and he already got acquainted with all the members
of Lion Alliance.

Now then, Ill send you a mail if I manage to get one safely.

Thanks.

And after that concise exchange of words, he cut the call.

If Angel was on the move, that wasnt a good thing. Thats

the feeling he had. He had to stay vigilant.

Sorry for the wait.

And then, he was called from behind. He turned to look behind

and was at a loss for words. Im glad to be here. He thought
that from the bottom of his heart.

Sorry, there were some formalities so it took longer.

Nn ah, no. You didnt make me wait.

Really? Thats good then.

It was just like her, Rui was wearing a bright yellow swimsuit and
had a lovely smile on her face as she said that.

There wasnt much difference in the amount of exposure between

this and her usual clothes when it came to the bottom of the
swimsuit, as it was almost the same as the hot pants she usually
wears. However, the upper body was a big problem. An unrivaled
among the same age group of people abundant bulge was enclosed
by a triangular bikini that obviously had not enough cloth on it,
soft flesh was protruding from its sides.

Muu Brother, hows Little Sisters swimsuit? Is it charming?

Fuyuki had notice where Taigas line of sight was stuck, and said
with a threatening tone. She urged Rui to step aside and moved in
front instead. Incomparable with that of Ruis, his little sisters
limbs were underdeveloped. She wore a black bikini.

Both the upper and lower parts were similar, there was an
awkwardly small amount of cloth, at first glance it seemed like it
didnt suit Fuyuki. However, that imbalance showcased her
bewitching qualities that were hidden before.

As the girls showed off their dazzling figures, Taiga obviously

averted his eyes.

However, the two of them werent pleased with such an attitude

and closed the distance on him. He took a step back reflexively.

Brother, I wont tell you to stare a hole in us, but not looking at
all is rude.

Thats right. Feedback please!

Y-you two look great.

Were not looking for such a bland answer. What you think about
Shii-chanhey, Shii-chan?

Prompted by Fuyuki, Taiga looked at Shio who was a bit further

away.

Shio hasnt heard the trios conversation and was still staring at the
sea.

She wore a one-piece swimsuit, it had blue and white horizontal

stripes, it fit not only her personality but also her maturity. Shio
called out with a lovely voice.
Waa! So this is the sea!

Seeing an emerald sea spreading as far as she could see, she was
filled with curiosity like a child.

your eyes are sparkling.

Speaking of which, this is the first time for you to visit a beach.
Last time Little Sister was on one was eight years ago. How about
Brother?

Its my first time on a beautiful one like this.

That was the concept, Emerald Sea had an atmosphere like a

resort.

Tropical trees, dazzling sun. The temperature was adjusted to be

warm but not too hot, the perfect environment for spending time
was maintained.

Hey hey, can I go in already?

Ah, yes. Sure you can.

Without even waiting for an answer, Shio rushed into the sea
impatiently.

At first she was fearful of it, but soon enough she proceeded into
water until her legs were completely covered with water and she
released the strength in her limbs, allowing herself to float on
water..

Her face melted and changed into a relaxed one.

Somewhat, she seems really refreshed.

Oh, Shii-chan lets surprise her a bit.

Fuyuki submerged slightly and approached Shio while making sure

she isnt noticed, it was a pitiful sight as Shios face floating on
seawater was relaxed and she was enjoying herself. Shios balance
immediately broke and she sank into the sea hitting the seafloor
with her bottom.

Come on, lets join them Taiga.

Ah, hey!

Haaa! Lets play around todaaay!

Rui pulled Taiga by his hand and they went into the sea together.

He didnt know how long its been since then.

Fuu

Taiga went back to the beach alone and sat down under a palm tree
on which he rested his back, he absent-mindedly watched the girls
play in water.

theyre having lots of fun.

At the moment they were using rented water guns (they looked
very similar to real ones) and were shooting at each other.

As far he could see, Fuyuki was losing. Rui was good at sports and
Shio could be considered as someone whos familiar with
shooting.

By the way, Taiga didnt join the battle, if he did it would no

longer be a fair match.

Even if moving in water was harder than on the land, there was no
reason to get hit by a mass of water that moved slower than live
ammunition. Even if he held himself back, he would instinctively
switch into combat mode were a muzzle to be aimed at him
because of the way the water guns looked.

I cant even play around what am I doing.

He stared at his own hands, to be exact he looked towards lower

part of his wrist. A gunshot wound on his real fleshalthough it
was a very small wound that didnt stand outbut there was an
old wound there.
A scar of the past.

As he was casually enjoying his everyday life, a heavy thought

weighed on his mind.

You dont belong to this placehe heard a whisper like that.

Tenryo Taiga wasnt a good person who should spend his days in
such a warm and clean place like this. He knew very well that he
wasnt qualified to do that.

Even so, he hoped that hes able to stay in this place, he blamed his
weak heart for that.

Thinking about something? Your face is really dark?

As he raised his face, he saw Fuyuki who must have left the sea
before he noticed it and stood next to him. Water droplets were
dripping down from her glossy black hair and fell on the pure
white sandy beach.

Wheres Rui and Shio?

Theyre doing swimming training. Shii-chan doesnt know how to

swim, so Rucchan is teaching her.

In the direction Fuyuki glanced to, Shio who was being pulled by
Rui desperately repeated flutter kicks. Her movements were still
stiff and werent good enough to be complimented.

He watched that for a while.

When her practice time with Rui finished and Shio began to swim
without aid, Fuyuki grasped his arm all of a sudden.

Brother, accompany me for a while.

She said that and began walking without waiting for his answer.
Moreover, they went in a direction opposite from the sea.

Hey, where are we going?

Further away somewhere where we wont be disturbed.

The second part of the sentence was too quiet, so Taiga didnt hear
it.

Fuyuki continued to walk to a distant part of the beach and finally

stopped when both Rui and Shio were no longer visible.

It should be all right over here. Yup.

She manipulated a window and extracted a light blue sheet and laid
it down on the ground. After that she manipulated the window
again taking out a small green bottle.

After it was passed to Taiga, he opened it and a flowery aroma

tickled his nostrils.

Whats this?

Aroma oil. Its a program given to us together with the water

guns, it seems like one of the items to enjoy in this area.

Hee hey, Fuyuki! What are you doing?!

As Taiga looked up after looking at the vial, he saw Fuyuki turned
with her back to him and removed the top of her swimsuit. There
was nothing covering her small and white back.

Taiga looked away in a hurry, Fuyuki lay face down on the sheet
and murmured seductively to him.

Please rub the aroma oil on my body. Of course, with your bare
hands.

Haa?!

Suddenly his thoughts were thrown into confusion.

Seeing him like that Fuyuki repeated.

This is something that has to be applied by hand. There are places

Little Sister cant reach, can you do me this favour?

Ask Rui or Shio to do it!

Oh dear, you wont understand unless I explain it to you, will

you.

Fuyuki puckered her lips dissatisfied and shook her hair off her
back as she admonished him.

I want Brother to rub it on me.

Auwh

He started stammering as she looked at him.

Taiga had no willpower to resist her seduction.

Come, hurry up.

Invited by her, he knelt beside her.

He swallowed his saliva as he closed on to her pure white back and

tilted the vial, golden liquid poured onto palm of his hand. It was
more viscous than expected and it was sticking to his fingers.

Nn

After splashing some of the sticky liquid on her back, he touched

it. It mustve been cold since Fuyuki leaked out a small voice.

While being flustered as her soft skin sucked his fingers in, he
spread the oil while stroking her back.

Brother, rub it on more firmly.

G-got it

When he pressed the palms of his hands against her skin more
boldly, the viscous liquid spread between his hand and her soft
skin. The sweet flowery aroma drifted towards him and his
thinking had been clouded over.
Do it on the sides too, please apply it so that theres no places
uncovered by it.

Her whisper penetrated his hazy consciousness, he slid his

fingertips towards her sides.

Taigas breath has already been turbulent and rough. It was the
same for Fuyuki, whenever he touched a sensitive place, she raised
a lovely moan, but since he didnt pay attention, he continued to
slowly move his fingers.

*funyari*

Fuaa!!

The moment he slid his finger further to the side, his fingers sank
in softly. An exceptionally sweet voice leaked out from Fuyukis
mouth.

Uwaa this is!!

His consciousness returned and he realized where he was touching,

he moved his fingers away in a hurry.

The place mentioned earlier where he rubbed the oil on was

Fuyukis humble chest, it was shiny and the way it looked could be
called obscene.

any more is impossible

Then, Fuyuki suddenly hugged onto him.

Woaah!

He was caught off guard completely and unable to resist, she

pushed him down on the sheet.

Fuyukis hands wound around Taigas neck and her bare breasts
pressed onto his chest. He realized the identity of two hard spots in
the centre of her breast and the inside of his head turned white.

Onii Little Sister cant hold back any longer

Her whisper seeped into his thoughts like poison.

His heart was pounding fast and hard as if it wanted to tear out
from his chest, all the senses in his body were roused as he touched
her body. His blood was boiling and his brain was dizzy so he
couldnt think of anything.

Not good. This situation is the worst.

He needs to hurry and pull away, if hes too late

lets entangle together until were all sticky and mushy?

The sweet voice melted away his reason with ease.

Fuyuki!!

Motivated by urge that rose within him, he hugged her thin body
strongly. Fuyuki in his arms let out a happy voice and sweetly
rubbed her body on his.

He could no longer stop.

With lust burning in his heart, he wanted to devour this lovely girl
until shes exhausted

eh? Where did they go? Heeey, Fuyuki! Taiga!

They couldnt afford to be seen like thishe thought that and

regained composure all at once. He released Fuyuki and turned
away quickly as not to look at her skin colour.

H-hurry up and put the top on. Theyre coming.

Silence, no response. Fuyukis frustrated gaze pierced his back, but

he couldnt afford to let himself be shaken.

Oniis reasoning is weird. You went back to normal too fast.

Fuyuki opened a window and put the top on with it, she stored both
the sheet and aroma oil as well. She went back towards Rui who
was looking for them.
reasoning? Dont be stupid.

As he sent her back off, he grumbled softly.

Im completely done in right now.

He took a deep breath, and even as he released it the heat in his

body wouldnt cool down. With nowhere to escape, feelings inside
Taiga ran amok.

He couldnt cover it up any longer.

Tenryo Taiga was seeking Tenryo Fuyuki as someone of opposite

sex.

If that happens again, he will be unable to restrain himselfhe

continued to breathe again and again, desperately trying to calm
himself down.

Part 6
*guchyari*.

Wrapped in the pitch black darkness, in an unknown location. In

the empty world light didnt enter, an unpleasant sound that
seemed like a swirling mood echoed.

The source of the sound, was a water inlet.

The scene of the cloudy liquids that filled it rubbing against each
other would disgust anyone with a decent amount of sensibility and
morals.

hmm. Looks like its going well.

Next to it stood a virtual body covered by a white robe.

The pure white outfit was shining conspicuously in the darkness of

the abyss. Originally that colour should blow away the darkness,
but something like a black pollution was sticking to it. It was
reminiscent to how moths flock to light.

Generate.

It murmured a short command.

All the liquid collected at one point, and started to move eerily as if
it had its own will. Spiraling, the pollution became more viscous
and slowly hardened, shaping an armour of darkness soon enough.

Jet black knight Zygote.

It made Taiga and Rui suffer in the past, a virus program with high
combat capability. Even one of them would be powerful enough,
but soon after two, three of them were produced.

The pure white virtual body gloated over it as Zygotes

appeared.
Itll take few days until I have enough fighting force, will it. And
then Ill break through security fufu, it wont be easy.

Preparations were progressing steadily. If there was to be one thing

that could stop it, it was

Tenryo Taiga, eh.

That boy crossed its mind.

There was no reason for it, but it was instinctively convinced of it

that he will stand in its way.

To be honest, Tenryo Taiga alone wasnt that much of a threat. But

his little sister Tenryo Fuyuki was different.

It was reminded of her abilities she displayed the other day. She
could be the one who could stop its plan.

Lets prepare some countermeasures.

Even if it was the slightest possibility, it had to be crushed.

Angel formed another black knight, which disappeared soon

after, as if melting into the darkness.
 Chapter 2 Quickenings silence

Part 1
The next day, Sunday noon, by the front door of the Tenryo
familys home.

The interphone sounded on time, and Taiga opened the door.

Good day to you, Taiga-kun.

With a modest red cardigan on top, Haya wore a neat long skirt
that covered her up to her ankles. She bowed with a meek smile.

Although we dont have much time today, Ill do my best to raise

Taiga-kuns performance hey, whats up with that expression of
yours.

Sorry. Hearing your polite tone puts me in a bad mood

You looking for a fight?

After Taigas extremely rude words, her mask of well-brought up

lady immediately disappeared, her true domineering young ladys
expression appeared instead. Her personality switchs speed was as
terrifyingly fast as ever.

Its been a while since I met you in that mode. I thought my

hearing had gone wrong.
You really are a rude guy I did it just in case because you have
a little sister. The more people know about it, the harder it is to
silence them in case of an emergency.

Well its been already half-noticed but he preferred not to say it.
He heard no hesitation in her voice as she said these dangerous
words. Taiga invited Haya inside.

If its Fuyuki then shes in her room. Well, she probably wont
come out so you dont have to worry.

He told her the day before about the study session and shes been
acting sullen since then.

After what happened by the beach, he couldnt face her squarely or

try to calm her down; he stalled it for too long and the actual day
of the study session came.

Fine then. Theres no time, lets start at once. Your room should
be fine.

Nn? Isnt living room with a lot of space better?

Dont be stupid. Itll be no good if your little sister comes in the

meantime.

Thats only for you

Since there was nothing in particular he wanted to hide, Taiga took

her to his room obediently.

As they walked down the corridor, Haya looked around as if shes

seen something unusual.

Hmm, thats a pretty nice house. Must have been just as

expensive.

Enough to blow away our savings. And here we are, my room.

quite bland.

Just as Haya said, the room was too neat for something people
lived in. What caught her eye was the table in the middle and the
Japanese sword that was hung on the wall.

Not only werent there many things there. Everything seem neatly
prepared, and the sword seemed ready to be drawn at anytime
thats the impression she had. She wondered just what kind of life
the boy has been living up until this moment.

I dont bring in many things, and I have no hobbies.

And that sword? Isnt collecting fake swords also a hobby?

Ah thats the only thing I enjoy, something like that.

Were he to say that its the real thing, she might have been excited
about it. Although he wanted to see the look on her face as he told
her that, he couldnt bring himself to do it.

Come out Iora.

Understood.

The terminal lit up and Iora was projected into the air. Shes been
wearing glasses with black rims she once had on before and hit one
of her hands with the pointing stick she held in the other.

Todays strict teaching session. Prepare yourself dammit.

Ioras also in the teacher role today?

Shes strangely motivated today. Its not really a problem either.

So ah?

It happened when she tried to sit down on the floor.

He saw her stagger and as she started falling down, Taiga

immediately reacted and caught her.

Hey, you all right?

Im just a little dizzy. No need to worry geez, for me to fall

down after just one all-nighter

Master, so you were tired because of yesterday after all?

Im okay so dont make that face. Come on Taiga, how long are
you going to support me.

Ah, sorry.

Brother, I brought something to drink. Im ente..ring

As Taiga tried to move away from Haya, at that very moment the
door has been opened wide with a lot of force.

Fuyuki appeared with cups on top of a tray, she slowly lowered her
gaze. There, Taiga was gently (from Fuyukis perspective)
embracing Haya.

F-Fuyuki t-this is, um.. an accident.

Taiga broke into cold sweat as he made an excuse, Fuyuki looked

down with a lovely and yet spine-chilling smile. Then she put the
cups aside from the tray and

Wwwhhhhaaaaaaatttttt are you doooooooooooingggg you idioot

Brotherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Ogouhh?!!

With a loud *dang* sound the tray has been smashed into his head.

By the way, Haya has fled into the corner of the room when the
tray was swung up. She suddenly collapsed before, but her escape
was quick.
Seriously I decided to check on you after all. Even though
theres Little Sister nearby, you bring another woman to your
room, moreover youre all over each other you shitty Brother!

She continued to hit Taiga with the tray time after time even after
he fell on the floor. It was just a tray so it didnt hurt that much, but
a loud sound rang out in his head every time he was hit. After she
satisfied her urge to beat him up, Fuyuki corrected her posture and
turned around to Haya. She made an obvious fake smile.

Its been a while, Kiritou Haya-san. We havent met since the

Reaper incident have we?

Yes indeed. I have been in your care back then.

Haya instantly put on her faade and smiled softly. They both
smiled but it didnt reach their eyes that probably wasnt just his
imagination.

President must be too busy to teach Brother today, are you not
preparing for exams as well? You can go back if you like? Little
Sister will be the one teaching instead.

Thank you for your consideration. But hes my junior who is in

the same specialized subject course, also it might sound rude,
but Imouto-san seems somewhat unreliable.

hee.
Although she was told go home by Fuyuki in a roundabout way,
Hayas eyebrows didnt even twitch and the graceful mask
remained on her face. Even so, it seemed like she was waging her a
war, maybe she decided to take her on.

they are too alike.

He murmured it absent-mindedly, causing the line of sight of the

two to pierce through him.

Can you not say something that rude? Dont compare me with
someone so intimidating and black hearted, its vexing.

You are being rude as well miss but I agree with some content
of what you said. I dont like people who cling to their family
members like this.

Is that so. What a coincidence.

Indeed.

The girls showed each other a radiant smile, but Taiga who was
watching from the side broke into a cold sweat.

It was rare for Fuyuki to show hostility openly (the case from day
before must have fueled it), but for the faade-mode Haya it was
also very rare. Normally she would have laughed it off to deceive
the other party.
Just as he thought about that, he saw Iora beckoning him from the
edge of his field of view. Taiga focused on listening to her while
trying not to catch the other twos attention.

Are these two on bad terms dammit? I have no memory of them

being acquainted at all.

They must be incompatible. Look, theyre somewhat alike.

I see, so this is what they call an aversion to their own damn

kind.

Their appearance was alike as well (the long Japanese-style black

hair). I wonder why does that atmosphere feel similarTaiga
thought.

Taiga-kun, since there is no time to waste lets start immediately.

Ah, Imouto-san please return to your room, you will interfere with
studying.

Is that so. Then I shall go back when I finish drinking this coffee,
it would be a waste to let it cool down after taking an effort to
bring it here.

For some reason Fuyuki brought three cups of coffee, she said that
and took one cup of coffee in her hands and sat down next to
Taiga,.
The way Haya looked at Fuyuki as if seeming to relay that she was
being a nuisance, she sighed and turned towards Taiga once again.

Lets focus on avoiding failing and focus on the weak subjects.

First is modern languages.

Lets go super strict today.

And like this with one person getting in the way which wasnt in
the plan, the anti-failure study session of Tenryo Taigas began.

getting fucking wasted on the very first problem. Thats

surprising.

Shouldnt you start over from elementary school?

He started to feel insecure at the very beginning.

Part 2
The faint sound of a mechanical pencil moving filled the quiet
room.

Although he hesitated sometimes, Taiga somehow managed to fill

the answer sheet. Just when he managed to fill the blanks, Iora let
out a voice.
Pinponpanpoon. Times up dammit.

haa, that was close. I managed to solve it all somehow.

You barely made it. That was a simulated test, you wont have
time to double-check your answers like this, its no good.

Dont say nonsense, theres just not enough time.

Although Fuyuki who was sitting by his side admonished him,

even though he did his best to answer it all. Before he noticed she
went back to her normal way of speaking. The fact he was able to
complete it was all thanks to Haya who proposed a study session.

Iora scanned the answer sheet and converted it into electronic data,
then she called out towards Haya who was breathing quietly in her
sleep as she leaned against the wall.

Master, its finished. Master!

nn? Ahh

Haya opened her eyes in languid manner.

The book she was reading fell to the floor, its pages bent, she
didnt realize it. Her tone went back to her usual one, but she must
have been half asleep.

Haya?
Ill go wash my face. Iora stay here and score it.

She stood up while saying that and left the room with a wobbly
gait.

Is she in a state horrible enough to make her forget Fuyuki is

here damn it? She went back to her original self.

You and your tone of voice is turning weirder and weirder.

Taiga stood up and stretched his stiff body.

As he looked outside, it seemed like the sky was covered with

thick grey clouds and light rain started to fall.

The weather has collapsed

According to the forecast its supposed to rain intensely in the

evening.

The modern weather forecast system is supposed to have an

accuracy rate of 99%. The deviation from that number is close to
zero.

speaking of which, its the first time that AI over there has
showed itself to me isnt it?

Yes. AIIolite, please call me Iora.

Iora, is it. Hmm, youve wonderful emotional expressions. They

dont seem to be fake. Is it fine to tinker with your mental structure
a little?

Dont you dare.

As the two who met for the first time chatted, Taiga drank his
coffee and rested his head.

Suddenly Fuyuki joined them to teach him as well, and he was

tired by her and Haya continuously intimidating each other.

But it was worth it. I managed to answer the test somehow.

He wouldnt get too high a score, but it should be enough to avoid

failing. At this rate the exams that start tomorrow wont be a
problem to him.

The scoring was over, and they were reviewing it for about thirty
minutes.

However, Haya who should have gone just to wash her face hasnt
come back yet. She was way late.

Ill go take a look.

Following Taiga, Fuyuki and Iora left the room as well.

That person was being unsteady for a while not. Maybe she fell
down somewhere.
Dont say such things.

His feet stopped when he was in front of washroom.

In the living room that has come into their field of vision, there
was a sofa and the person they were looking for was on top of it.

Suu suu

She must have lost to sleepiness in the middle of her trip to

washroom, she was sleeping while using a cushion as replacement
for a pillow.

Not caring about her appearances, her clothes were all wrinkled
and her hair curled up weirdly.

Why is this person proudly indulging in her sleep while in

someone elses home. Doesnt she know how to restrain herself?

Fuyuki raised an appalled voice.

Certainly, that would be okay if it were her lovers home, but since
it was a home into which she stormed in forcibly to teach him, he
could not help but let out a tired sigh.

Ahw-well I guess. Look, she must be really tired.

Why are you saying acting so gentle towards her. This is Little
Sisters and Brothers house isnt it? Lets slap her awake
immediately no, lets throw her outside in this state. The
cleaning drones will take her for garbage and throw her away.

Stop that!

It didnt sound like a joke at all and it was scary. Just how much
did she hate Haya.

However, despite the fact that Fuyukis proposal was rejected, they
couldnt leave her as she was at the moment. Taiga tried to wake
her up, but Iora went in between them.

Please wait a moment. Can you allow her to sleep like this for a
while?

Iora?

Masters been busy with work until right before she came here
and didnt sleep a wink. If she goes back to Kiritou, no one knows
what kind of damn work she will be given. I want her to rest
properly.

As she said that, Iora stared at Haya with a caring expression.

That look of hers, worrying about someone important to her, didnt

look like something artificial, but like one of a real human.

Even if you say that, we have no obligation to let her sleep

Brother? What are you doing?
Its better if she sleeps on the bed rather than the sofa. Fuyuki,
open the bedrooms door.

Are you serious?

Ive been in her care for many things, also having Kiritous
princess owe us is not bad.

He made up a decent reason.

But the truth was that he didnt want her to leave tired like that.
Just like he was comforted by Rui, he wanted to let Haya rest as
well.

so light.

Taiga was surprised by how light Haya was as he raised her up and
carefully carried her to the bedroom, while making sure he doesnt
drop her. Fortunately, she was sleeping like a log and didnt wake
up.

Thats helluva large bed. You two must be enjoying yourself on

it every day?

Your evolution is really turning way too weird.

He was amazed by Iora who said a joke with a straight face, he laid
Haya down on the bed and left the room. Right before leaving the
room Iora turned around
good night Master. I wish you good dreams.

She murmured with a voice harbouring emotions unlike a virtual

personality.

ah, this is a dream.

A lucid dreama dream in which she was aware that she was
watching a dream.

Although they said one could change the contents of the dream
according to ones will, this was a memory of the past. A sight she
was unable to reproduce, something that was lost.

In the middle of the illusion stood a single girl.

She had bluish-black hair carelessly tied in the back, she wore a
white coat on top of a black jersey. Although she had refined
features her clothes were a mess.

Aoko.

, , .

She was saying something in her memory, but it was barely

audible through static. Aokos mouth distorted proudly as she
placed a pure white mannequin beside her.
yeah. Thats when the virtual body had been completed.

A memory of Ioras developments early days.

First of all they prepared a virtual body to place a virtual

personality in, it was the scene during which Aoko enthusiastically
showed it to her. She could remember her boastful look and her
proud laughter.

Now that I think of it, she prepared a pointlessly high performance

body

It had high virtual durability and modification capacity as well as

enormous calculation capacity, even if one looked around the
entire world they wouldnt find such a high-performance virtual
bodythats what she declared.

Speaking of which, it was at that time. The appearance of the

virtual body was decided single-handedly by Aoko who used her
own physical information.

She wanted to use my face didnt she.

She was saying things like Hayas face looks popular sort or my
own eyes look too sharp and so on, she was just too ashamed to
use her own face.

Thats why she put on a lock on the body modifications to prevent

Aoko from changing it.
Although Aoko couldve hacked it easily if she wanted to.

Since she didnt do it, she wasnt all that much against itthats
what Haya thought. Although it was impossible to ascertain it now
that she has died cause of illness.

Ah, Im waking up.

Her consciousness was rapidly returning.

I want it to continuebut her wishes werent fulfilled, the

dream continued to lose its colours and become monochromatic.

I want to see more.

Until the moment she completely woke up, she thought of the
friend she will never meet again.

Hmmhmm I see. I-chans interpretation is really unique. It

helps a lot since its different from Little Sisters idea.

Ehhen, theres more to come.

After Taiga came back to living room, he saw Fuyuki and Iora talk
happily.

Putting Ioras lack of hesitation aside, it was surprising for Fuyuki

who has an intense fear of strangers to become friends with
someone in such a short period of time. Well, Iora was not a
human though.

It was around seven oclock in the evening, large raindrops were

falling from the sky as a storm was raging in the pitch-black sky. It
was easy to tell how intense it was just by looking as the rain
hitting the windows.

According to the forecast its supposed to cease tomorrow morning

but looks like morning practice will be impossible.

Just as he thought that, the bedrooms door behind him opened

loudly.

With hair so black it seemed like they were painted with a lacquer
and dressed like a young lady heading to a resort. Haya emerged
while looking like thator should have, however

umm

Uaaamy heads so heavy

Her voice sounded nothing like one of a young lady.

Although he wanted to ask her why did she act so wildly, but the
look in her eyes told him she was really drowsy.

living dead?
The figure which trailed unsteadily and looked ready to fall down
at any moment wasnt Fuyukis, but without doubt one of Kiritou
Hayas.

So to say, it was beyond the level of someone suffering from a

hangover.

H-Haya? Whats with you?

Shadap, movway gonna was my face

While moving in front of the shocked siblings, Haya continued to

move while bumping into the walls and furniture. When her figure
was no longer visible from behind, Fuyuki murmured.

whos the idiot who called that thing ladylike yamato

nadeshiko.

Master is always like that after waking up you know?

Seriously?!

To think she could change into a proper and lovely yamato

nadeshiko from that. They could only admire her in earnest.

Thats the face she only shows after having proper sleep. It
seems like she was able to rest dammit.

Its unthinkable for someone to get proper sleep in someone elses

house.

While Iora had a faint smile on her face, Fuyuki responded strictly.

A few minutes later Haya came back refreshed and neat. With that
said though, it was just to an extent where her pupils no longer
looked like that of a dead fish, she couldnt be called a yamato
nadeshiko as she was.

Im thirsty.

Wait, thats my watershes not listening.

Haya opened the refrigerator without any hesitation and all at once
she drank the mineral water that was inside. After that she threw
away the emptied bottle and spoke with half-opened eyes.

Want more.

Its not all you can drink!![3]

She was acting too arrogantly, she heard the siblings retorted
unconsciously. But Haya gestured at them not to mind it, or rather
she proudly puffed her chest saying you guys are weird.

What, its nothing expensive. You should be honoured that it was

used for my sake.

She said something despicable and irrational. Both Taiga and

Fuyuki were stunned.

Her thinking being very simple and her having a foul mouth are
another characteristic she has after waking up. Master. Master.
Get a hold of yourself.

Ah? What is it Iora?

Fuyuki is looking. Is it fine not to put on your faade?

Its a pain in the ass so Ill pass.

Ignoring what shes been doing up until that moment Haya shed
off her mask. The fact that her thinking process was simple after
waking up must have been true.

It seems like Ive slept for a while. Taigas results should be fine
at this rate I should have some time to spare for myself now.

She glanced at the results of simulated test and fixed her hair and
clothes with her hand. Then she made an elegant bow that made
them fascinated involuntarily and flashed a refined smile.

Now then you two, thank you very much for today. If you leak
anything youve seen or heard today, Ill use both physical and
psychological means to shut you up, thank you very much?

Go home already!
What was refined was only her appearance.

Ill do so even if you dont tell me that. Lets go Iora.

Yes sir. Now then Taiga, Fuyuki, until the next opportunity
comes

Just when one person and one identity were about to go home.

All the lights disappeared without warning and the room was
shrouded in the darkness.

Uh-huh?

A power outageall lights were lost, and the only thing that
could be seen was Iora who shone with phosphorescent light. As
they looked outside, it was not only their room but the whole city
that was covered in darkness.

It seems like not only this place lost power. The power plant must
have been hit by heavy rain.

Its not something that can be taken down so easily. This must
happened from the managementfrom our side. The power
control system mustve went down in the headquarters.

New Citys electricity management was done by a large-scale

structure. It seemed like a problem has appeared in there.
it must be part of the problem from before. Geez, what is
Kiritou doing. How can they allow such a massive power outage.

Can you not say that while facing me? Im not involved in this
matter at all but this is really bad. Theres nothing we can do
without electricity when its this late.

In the meantime the emergency power supply was activated, but

the lights that were lit were fairly dim.

well, thats how it turned out.

This room is consuming too much power. Fuyuki, you over-

customized it.

Uh it cant be helped. I didnt think it would turn out like this.

In modern times everything was controlled by a network, the

power consumption of every household was enormous. The
emergency power supply wasnt enough to supply an entire
apartment with electricity. Moreover, Tenryo household was
consuming more than a normal household, together with the power
its security has fallen as well.

The situation outside was similar, the street lights and signal
machines werent working.

They were probably working while using redundant power that

was left over from the supplying managements structure.
Moreover there was heavy rain.

The natural light source namely moonlight was blocked by clouds,

the visibility outside was the worst.

Master, can we go back like this?

Id prefer not to if its possible. Both public transport and taxis

wont be coursing like this, and I would get completely soaked if I
walked.

From the Tenryo familys house to the Kiritou groups

headquarters there was about fifteen minutes walk. It wasnt a long
distance to walk but the wind was quite strong. She didnt want to
do it if possible.

Then, Iora came up with something and clapped her hands.

Then how about we stay here today?

Ha?

She said something strange.

If you go back you will be asked to deal with the damn power
outage anyway. Instead you can spend the night in this house and
concentrate on tomorrows test.
Wait I-chan, what kind of selfish thing are your spouting. I wont
allow such a thing.

Fuyuki drew closer to Iora in a hurry. Seeing the two like that
Haya started thinking in silence.

Is there a problem?

A huge one! Not even a friend, just an acquaintance suddenly

staying over is no good!

But youve already lent us your bed? Its no different than

that?

Unfortunately there is a huge difference! Listen, to begin with this

house is a place for Brother and Little Sister to love each other
without restraints

ah, I apologize Fuyuki. I finished my business, Ill disconnect

for a while.

Haa?! Wait, I-chan?!

Iora melted into the nothingness in order to escape from Fuyukis

persistence.

On the other hand, Haya lowered her face and grumbled.

indeed, theres that way as well. Even if I manage to go back
while dripping wet, theyll work me to death. I wanted to rest
properly today and I think nothing of bothering this guy

No, you actually should.

Although she was saying that in low voice, her face was high
enough to allow them to hear it.

thats decided. Ill be bothering you today. You have no right

of veto, take care of me, Taiga.

As she said that, she made a maddeningly nice smile.

Part 3
Youre not sleeping?

It was three oclock in the night.

A windstorm and heavy rain rattled outside the window, a quiet

voice reached his ear. Taiga who was looking at the ceiling in
silence tilted his neck and looked towards the owner of the voice.

On the edge of the absurdly big king-sized bedabout a meter

away from him was Haya, she was staring at him.

let me apologize first. If you cant sleep because of me, Im

sorry.

He shook his head to protest against her suggestive words, Fuyuki

who was hugging his arm moved closer.

Her sweet smell and the unique feel of a soft body strengthened,
making his body temperature to increase by itself.

Im completely done for arent I, honestly

Because of what happened by the sea, his rationality has been

blown away completely.

Although he had been sleeping with her for a month, its not that
he couldnt suppress it just because she was beside him. He
couldnt get any sleep the night before either. Thats why he was
honestly thankful for the third party that had appeared.

What about you? Not going to sleep yet?

Thats because I slept a little bit before. Also as expected, this

situation makes me nervous.

This situationin other words the three of them sleeping on the

same bed, was indeed delicate. Rather than unusual, it was
something that normally wouldnt happen.
At first Taiga wanted to sleep on the sofa alone.

However Fuyuki said me too, and they couldnt drive Haya away
from the bed since she was a guest. In the end, they all lay down
next to each other in the bed and decided to sleep like that.

However

liar. Someone whos nervous wouldnt sleep while dressed like

that.

Instead of wearing pyjamas, the only thing Haya wore was a male
shirt.

Since the size didnt match her, there was a huge opening that
exposed her collarbone and the moderately big twin hills also
glimpsed from it. She wasnt wearing any underwear beneath and
everything appeared from beneath because the shirt was slightly
too short.

Honestly, it was poison for his eyes.

This? It cant be helped, this is the only thing I could use.

There were a lot of other things there. Why did you use this of all
things.

Because this was the best thing to sleep in. Also you like it
better like this, dont you?
Haya showed him a mean, tempting smile and raised a hem of the
shirt.

Although he immediately averted his eyes, he caught a glimpse of

aqua-blue fabric.

To turn red with a single piece of cloth. How unseemly.

you should learn some modesty.

Ara, isnt that something you should tell your sister?

He looked at Fuyukis chilly appearance, as she clung to his arm.

Certainly, because it exposed a lot, or rather it exposed her

underwear completely, Fuyukis neglige was more erotic.

However, the way Haya was dressed was erotic in a different way.

It was all almost visible and that almost attracted his line of
sight. Moreover, since Haya usually wore clothes that covered a lot
of her skin, the destructive power was tremendous.

oh, thats right. Theres something I want to pass to you.

In order to change the topic, he removed a program from his

terminal and passed it to Haya.

She received it and immediately opened a window to glimpse at

information inside, she looked up at Taiga with a skeptical look in
her eyes.

Whats this? This is an attack-configured program. I have no use

for it do I?

As if Id want you to. This is a new program thats very popular

in Kiritou Managements structure AriesIt was made by
Angel.

The moment she heard the last word, Hayas eyes turned serious at
once. It seemed like she was also aware of its existence.

How did you get this?

I got it from an acquaintance whos looking into it for me.

Taiga received it from Leon when she was bathing.

It seemed he mustve struggled hard to get it since he said Just

three times wont be enough for this! and requested an additional
reward; since he managed to get it in a single day, Taiga agreed to
increase it.

nyaaOnii

And in response to their voices, Fuyuki leaked out a sweet whisper

and rubbed her face on him.

In response to Fuyukis I wont give him to you gesture, an

indescribable expression appeared on Hayas face.

you get along well.

Well, thats obvious. The only family we have is each other.

It was a lie. To be exact they no longer were just a family.

But Haya wasnt deceived, she looked down and murmured.

getting along well doesnt happen just because youre family.

Even if you are directly blood related.

She felt melancholic and put on a sad smile.

The only family member of hers that Taiga knew about was her
father. And the words directly blood relatedhe understood
them to a painful degree.

Im going to sleep. Ill wake up early in the morning and

analyse this, you too make sure to rest properly.

Haya said that and turned her back to Taiga. She mustve been fast
asleep for good since she started to breathe deeply in her sleep
about ten seconds later.

I said already that I cant sleep.

Taiga closed his eyes forcibly. Even if he cant sleep, he needed to

rest his head in order to prepare for tomorrow. However, his
determination has been overcome in a matter of seconds.

A quiet electronic sound could be heard over the sound of wind

and rain, and he saw faint light through his half-closed eyelids. At
the same time, a pale phosphorescent light appeared on the edge of
his field of vision.

Iora?

There, was Iora who disappeared in the middle of the conversation

with Fuyuki. Now that he thought about it, he hasnt seen her since
then and wondered why did she come back now.

Iora, heey Iora.

She didnt respond to his calls, she continued to stare at empty

space with unfocused eyes. It was as if her soul was missing.

When Taiga anxiously reached out to her, her eyes finally captured
him.

ah, so its Taiga dammit. What is it?

Thats my line. Earlier you suddenly disappeared, now you

suddenly come back. What were you doing?

Where did I go
She tilted her neck as if saying I dont remember.

Iora disappeared eight hours earlier during the power outage so he

asked that but did she really not remember anything?

So thats how it was darn it. I disappeared

She muttered and after twisting her body in the air skilfully, she sat
down on top of Taigas chest. Although there was no weight since
she was a projected image, he felt an illusion of being ticklish.

Seeing dark emotions on her face, Taiga gently asked.

What is it? You have an expression of anxiety on your face?

Anxiety so Iora feels anxiety?

No, dont ask me. Thats just how it looked to me.

It was his intuition. There was no basis for that.

But it seemed like Iora felt something in his words, and while her
line of sight was wandering around, she started talking.

Im worried about something.

Seeing her serious expression Taiga listened quietly. She opened

and closed her mouth as if looking for words to say, and asked him
a question before long.
What would you do if you were troubling someone important to
you?

another weird question from you.

He glanced at Haya who was sleeping beside him. The important

person must have been her.

But with that said, since the question was quite vague, he couldnt
find a clean answer to it. He pondered about it for a moment, and
answered it after applying the situation to himself.

I guess I would try to do something about it myself.

Thats the kind of person Tenryo Taiga was. Were he to be the

cause, he would definitely solve it by himself.

Is that so so thats the only thing that can be done.

As Taiga answered, Iora put on a resigned expression. Seeing her

like that, Taiga added more while quietly whispering.

But taking all of it and shouldering it all would make anyone

collapse.

eh?

He smiled seeing Iora dumbfounded and continued.

It doesnt mean itll definitely fail. But people have their limits.
Its unreasonable to do it all alone. Someone like me never noticed
such a thing.

Without anyone whom he could rely on, carving his path by

himself was an obvious course of action to himthats how he
was a month ago.

But he was different now.

He reunited with Fuyuki, met Rui and Shio and understood that
relying on someone else can be strength as well, as well as how
precious a thing it was to support each other. He was also told that
its okay to be spoiled.

Thats why he could tell it straight.

Your Master wont break down that easily, its fine to trouble her
to a certain extent. But if youre still anxious then Ill promise you.
Ill do something about it.

Taiga.

Is this answer good enough?

Iora gently put both of her hands on her chest, as if locking away
something important to her in there.

Yes. Its all right now.

While saying that, a faint smile bloomed on her face.

Im relieved with this. Even if something happens Taiga will

deal with it.

Hey wait, you gonna leave it all to me?

Cant I dammit?

As she curiously tilted her neck and stared at him, Taiga let out a
small sigh and answered.

It cant be helped if I you cant do it. But do your best to make

sure you wont fail.

Understood. Ill continue my futile resistance.

Futile resistance oh well, see you tomorrow.

Yes. See you tomorrow.

Taiga closed his eyes, and his consciousness was buried in

darkness.

Iora looked down at him, and went back to Hayas terminal soon
after that.

Im at a peace of mind. No matter what happens, Taiga will

stop me.
Quiet, very quiet words that didnt reach anyones ear have been
drowned in the sound of falling rain and wind.

Part 4
Four days later, the last day of midterms.

Yes, times up. Put down your writing utensils.

Together with the chimes sound, the class suddenly turned noisy.

The students began to talk here and there. It was the recoil of the
stressful four days, his schedule after this was already
determined, and Taiga fell down on the desk worn out.

He looked up at Rui and Fuyuki who finished and were getting

ready to stand up and leave.

You seem really exhausted, you okay?

Not at all

How pathetic. Its been only four days. Rather than that, did you
manage not to fail?

I dont think I will probably.

He couldnt affirm how the last one, modern language went. There
were more questions than on the mock test and it was quite hard.
That could lead to a drastic change in his score. In the end, he
could only wait for the results to come.

The results will come in a week, right?

Yes. They will come together with all the other subjects. Brother
can continue worrying up until then.

how about you two?

What a dumb question. Its already decided that Ill get a perfect
score on all subjects.

It is?!

Rui-san got about nine out of ten right

Taiga could only sing praises for them in his mind. It was strange
to feel inferior because he was surrounded by honour students.

When everyone left the classroom, Rui clapped her hands.

Then lets all go and play! Where should we go?

Hmm. Lets try some leisure facilities for once

Ah, sorry. Ive got something to do now, go ahead without me.

He was to go and help out immediately after the tests are over,
Taiga received an email from Haya in the morning telling him to
come to the teachers building on the first day.

is that so. Then Ill go together with Rucchan the two of us.

Openly frustrated, Fuyuki saw him off and Taiga left the
classroom. Although he felt a little bit guilty, it was better if he
distanced himself from Fuyuki for the time being.

And the few hours starting from that moment were truly hellish.

First, he joined Haya and headed to the teachers building while

carrying precision equipment which was scheduled for use for the
day; after that, he was taken to the Student Council Room which
was located near the third years Cyber Department building.
There, he did a different job together with other Student Council
officers; he continued to process and fill a huge amount of data
together with Haya.

The time passed as he continued to earnestly hit the keys of a

virtual keyboard

I-its over

By the time it was over, outside was already dark.

Taiga was exhausted after five hours of continuous work and he

sprawled out on the borrowed desk. The other members already
went back, and the only ones left in the student council room was
him and Haya.

So the student council has an absurd amount of work like this

youre doing well not to die from overworking yourselves.

Everyones an elite in here. This much is still fine.

Since there was no one else there, Haya returned to her normal
self.

She quickly confirmed the data prepared by Taiga and closed the
terminal; she stood up with momentum and lightly stretched.

Now then, lets go back for today. Theres a long weekend

starting tomorrow; lets continue next week.

Yeah

The two finished and locked the door behind them and headed
towards the linear station together.

Aside from the Sports Department who were practicing until late,
no one from the Cyber Department, which was a genuine cultural-
type department, cared enough to stay; the two walked through a
dim avenue.

its quiet.
Theres not many linears coursing at this time. All students other
than those living in dorms have already went back.

Since Kiritou Academy was looking for students from all over the
country, it had proper dormitories.

The student dormitories were lined up in the north, they were

flooded by the freshmen who applied every year. By the way,
Taiga and Fuyuki also considered entering dormitories at first
since it was easy on their money but it was rejected because
Fuyuki said we wont be able to live together!.

Speaking of which, what happened to Iora? I havent seen her

today.

Ahh, shes became quiet after returning from your home. She no
longer comes out. I wonder what kind of weird knowledge is she
stocking now

Her eyes showed that she was quite troubled by that. Certainly, she
has been quite humorous recently.

No matter what form it is, arent you pleased that shes growing?
Wasnt that why you made Iora?

Yes butever since the Reaper incident I couldnt honestly

rejoice over it.
Previously, Iora was overtaken by a mysterious military
consciousness extraction program Jail and transformed
into what Taiga and the others calledthe Grim Reaper. That
incident triggered her rapid emotional development.

speaking of which, did you find out anything about the

Reaper?

Nothing. I found Jails code inside of Iora, but it was

restricted so it couldnt be hacked from outside. I didnt find even
a single lead oh, thats right. Look, this.

Haya passed him a document with data.

These are the results I got after analyzing the attack-configured

program from before. I also added some information I found about
Angel in there.

Taiga looked over the documents content.

The summary An unwanted program has been embedded into the

attack-configured program, judging from from the analysis results
the possibility of it being the Zygote you told me about is
high was marked.

Zygote. So thats what was built in.

The parasitic program that infects a virtual body and creates a jet
black knight with its data. It infected Shios virtual body two
weeks ago and made them suffer.

Its a very advanced program. Infecting a virtual body and

creating another one from its data isnt something even multiple
programmers working in parallel can do.

Fuyuki said the same thing. She said the creator must be as good
as she was, if not better.

Haya was one of the senior programmers in the Kiritou company,

and quite outstanding among them.

Even she couldnt understand half of the Zygotes

configuration. The creator was a programmer in a class of his own.

If I were to believe your testimony and Saionji-sans, Angel

Administrator Privileges
was using Master Code. He must have gotten them either by
hacking or it must be one of authorized people, its impossible to
judge that now.

As she said that, a single girl came to her mind.

An extraordinary programmer who perhaps surpassed even Fuyuki

and someone who was involved with Kiritouthere was only
one person like that.

But that was impossible. It couldnt be. Since she was already
Thats absurd.

She shook her head lightly and rejected the the worst scenario she
could imagine.

I have reported it to the company already but honestly, I dont

think they will do anything now. They have their hands full with
bugs at the moment and wont listen to them even if I say I dont
get it myself but do something about it.

I guess

There wasnt enough information about it to make such a large

company move.

Even so, the timing of problems appearing overlapped, making

him anxious. That could also have been Angels doing
thats what he suspected.

Also, Haya. Is there a possibility the Reaper incident and Angel

are related?

Haya closed her eyes in order to analyse the possibility.

That possibility came to her mind two weeks earlier when she
became aware of Angels existence. Were Angel to be one of
Kiritou researchers there was a possibility they could access Iora
and the timing would match. It was almost not possible for these
incidents to be not related.

fifty-fifty, I would say.

She squeezed that out after a while, she wasnt confident despite
thinking about it for a while.

50%, that low? I have a feeling there definitely is a relation.

I also feel like thats how it is. But no matter how I think about it,
I cant tell whats Angels purpose is.

They got on a linear and sat opposite to each other. They were
about ten minutes away from the New Citys central station. The
train was quietly running in the night, and the conversation
continued.

Theres a possibility the criminal did it without purpose, but that

would be too far-fetched. Especially tampering with Iora would be
too risky, and we dont know why would he embed Jail into
Iora. There isnt enough information to judge it.

They didnt have enough data on Angel.

In Cyber World, both voice and physique could be changed and if

Administrator Privileges
Master Code were used, it couldnt be traced. They couldnt
determine it in a situation like this.
Soon after, the linear arrived at the station and the two of them
went out through the ticket gate.

Haya was going to Kiritou headquarters which was in the opposite

direction from Taigas house. It was where they parted. After they
entered the crowded station, Haya put on a mask of a young lady
once again.

Now then, Taiga-kun. See you on Monday.

Is it fine for me to not do anything tomorrow?

I dont have any time to spare tomorrow. Were supposed to work

on the problems that recently appeared starting from tomorrow.
Although its a three-day weekend, theres no time for me to rest.

Were it to be her real self she would have sighed, but she only had
a meek smile that didnt disturb her faade. That kind of business-
like face looked to me like a stiff mask.

hey, is there anything I could help you with?

Before he noticed, he already spontaneously said these words.

Surprised by what she heard, Haya turned around. She closed on to
him, leaned towards him and whispered.

What? You want to work?

I just would feel guilty if you were to fall down like you did
before. You seem unable to manage your own physical condition.

Ara, so youre a guy who can spout such reckless stuff with cold
blood.

She laughed merrily at him, but that wasnt something she had a
right to say.

At the very least he didnt want her to overdo it in the long run;
that would be very risky in a lot of ways.

Help me huh certainly theres lots of simple tasks you could

help me with. But unless the source is dealt with, the amount of
work will continue to increase.

Cant you do something about it?

The countermeasure team was formed, but unfortunately theres

nothing that would hint at the solution of the problem. Were Aoko
to be still alive, it would have been cleaned up all at once

Then what about Fuyuki.

Suddenly, Iora appeared between the two without any warning.

that was a really sudden of you to come out. Why would

Fuyuki-sans name appear here?

Fuyuki possesses a considerable amount of programming skills.

If its her, it can be solved.

certainly that girls skills are great. It might not be as good as

Aokos, but its far beyond mine

In response to Ioras proposal, Haya placed a hand on her chin and

continued to think. Taiga had a premonition it would turn
troublesome, but he gave up and looked into the sky.

Yup, its decided. The date will be the day after tomorrow
should be fine. Take Fuyuki-san and come to Kiritou headquarters.
Just as you wished, Ill let you help me with work.

And like this, the siblings visit to Kiritous headquarters was

decided.

Part 5
Now then, this much should be enough.

Inside a room that was wrapped in a pale light, a quiet whisper

echoed.

The Angel closed a window it has been tampering with and

looked at a huge sphere that had about ten metres in diameter and
floated in the middle of the room.
Kiritou Groups headquarters structure, the main server as
expected, its big.

It couldnt be entered without a special passkey, the very core of

Kiritou Group. In the cyberspace that managed all the systems
stood Angel.

But since they have their hands full dealing with trouble all over
the place, I was able to slip in easily. It was worth it going out of
my way to cause that power outage.

Because of the power outage happening, rather than switching to

another computing power source, Kiritous headquarters were
swamped with a huge amount of complaints. A vast flood of
information paralyzed the line temporarily and even if a handful of
foreign matter slipped in, no one noticed anything.

Thanks to that it was able to move freely as well as prepare Tenryo

Fuyukis Prison. All preparations were done, all that was left
was to start it.

Mu

Suddenly, it felt a discomfort in its right arm.

Electricity ran through its arm nerves, and the arm dropped down
losing all its strength.
seems like theres still some resistance. I thought the ego has
been already smashed but thats an unexpected tenacity.

The Angel said Waste of effort and grabbed its right wrist.
A faint spark appeared, and the control over the right arm came
back.

with this, itll be all over. I wont let anyone get in the way.

Two days left until the plan is executed.

After displaying boiling hot hatred, the Angel disappeared
from the main server.
 Chapter 3 Countdown

Part 1
*pipipipi*

It was eight oclock in the morning.

The thirty-third floor of Kiritou headquarters building, Hayas

private room.

After managing to get proper sleep Haya opened her windows and
a tremendous sound hit her.

aau ahh?

It was loud enough to make her block her ears.

She curled up on the bed for a moment, and then finally got up.

However, her movements were a little bit faster than a zombie,

her aspirations were in pieces at the moment.

ahhtime isneed to wake upeh

Her posture broke down after she got down from the bed, she
strongly hit the floor with her head.

I wish sun perished.

She spat out the curse towards the daylight, which became her
daily routine, and headed to the washroom while staggering and
smashing against the walls.

When she washed her face, combed her unruly hair and ate
breakfast, it was already nine oclock. She thought of her
appointment as she changed into her usual suit.

Ill have to deal with failures first thing in the morning, probably
will have to process bits and pieces. Since we dont know whats
the cause, theres not much we can do well, it cant be helped.

Responding to the blackout that happened last weekend, Kiritou

formed a countermeasures team immediately which started to deal
with problems that appeared in succession.

However, the results were poor. Because of that nearly all of the
headquarters staff planned holidays were called off.

Haya stood in the front door and took a deep breath.

The moment I step out, I will enter my workplace. Thats

what she engraved deep in her mind.

lets do my best for today.

It was arranged so that Tenryo Taiga would come at two oclock in

the afternoon. Until then, she needs to hurry and clean up the work,
it was a pretty tight schedule.
Speaking of which, was he able to convince his little sister?

The other day, it was unknown whether Tenryo Fuyuki will be

accompanying him. Although Haya wanted her to come even more
so than she wanted Taiga to come, they had their circumstances as
well. She didnt intend to insist on it.

That girl, she seems to hate me. No way around it.

As she was going down the building on the elevator, she touched
the terminal with her finger. Iora who was supposed to be
projected from itwas not there.

Eh? Shes not there?

She took a peek inside the terminal, but couldnt find the AI girl in
there. Iora wasnt there last night already, but Haya didnt think
she wouldnt be back yet. Although Haya wanted to check where
she went, she had work to do, so she closed the terminals window.

Well, shell be back sooner or later.

Haya convinced herself and headed to the laboratory.

Part 2
The same day, ten oclock.
And there fuh.

A silver haired girl got out from an air-conditioned train and

looked at the blue and sunny sky.

finally here.

Shio let out a small voice and started dragging a carry-bag she
wasnt accustomed to using, and headed to the ticket gate.

What she was wearing at the moment was an outfit she bought
after consulting with Rui, a thin black business shirt and shorts.
Rather than cute, it was a clothes coordination that could be
described as cool.

Her stylish outfit coupled with her originally cool appearance

attracted the stares of the passers-by, but she didnt notice it as she
focused on carrying her luggage. Since it was a bag equipped with
wheels, even the considerably weak Shio could move with it. But
since it was filled to the point where it was overflowing and heavy,
every time she moved with it, she felt a bodily pain. Shio took a
breather after going through the ticket gate.

Umm they said theyll pick me up but

She looked around the entrance gate through which a violent

stream of people leaving for the holidays poured in, searching for
her three friends who should have come to pick her up. At the
same time she looked at the scenery, in front of her was a brand
new city.

it really is nice.

Words full of envy left her mouth.

The New City has been developed alongside the Kiritou Group, as
the name suggested it was still new. If any extraordinary
circumstances were to happenthere was no better city to move
to.

It isnt supposed to be a refuge but thats how it appears to be.

Karasuba wasnt a place for her.

She has been treated like a ghost, it would make no difference

whether she was there or not. In order to leave that place, she came
to New City.

Shio didnt know yet whether her choice was correct or not. There
was both anxiety and hesitation in her mind.

Ahh, there she is. Heey, Shio-chan!

Although she was sentimental after arriving at an unknown place,

her consciousness returned as a brisk voice sounded in the middle
of the crowd. She noticed three people who were walking towards
her.
if I think about that, no wonder Ill be anxious.

She locked away her own hesitation and started pulling her
luggage as she walked towards them.

Why has Shio come to New Cityto explain the reason for that,
we have to trace back in time a little.

Putting aside the results, Taiga has overcome the midterms safely
yesterday, which was the first day of the three-day weekend. After
that, the four of them went to subdue a powerful virus
Crescent Black Dragon
Crom Crouch, and after a fierce battle, they won against it. A
small uproar happened after that, it happened as they were sitting
in the reserved seats in one of the establishments in central city.

You want to live alone?!

Their surprised voices overlapped.

I-is it that weird?

Shio who was drinking a bright red juice panicked seeing the
reaction of the three.

Although for her it seemed like a small party and she wanted to
chat a bit, what she told them out of the blue left them speechless.
Of course, it was a natural reaction.
did Karasuba tell you to leave?

Thats not it, I decided it for myself. I want to leave the house and
live elsewhere. From now on, I want to look for a new way to live
my life.

Among these words which were truth, there was also a lie.

She didnt have the determination. She just wanted to break

through the status quo. Let aside a clear goal, she didnt even have
any plans for the future.

Even so, she had to actbecause she thought like that, she
decided to do it despite hesitating.

is that so.

Fuyuki stared at Shios eyes to check whether whats inside

matches her words.

Certainly, for her to live with her family would be mentally

stressing, so they agreed on her leaving the house. However, living
alone was another thing.

Karasuba Shio was an Ojou-sama. Moreover it was as she had

three signs protruding from her head that said sheltered girl.

If shes left alone, shell get exploited by someone.

I need to do somethingFuyuki was burning with sense of
responsibility.

If you havent decided where you want to live, I recommend New

City.

Thats what I intended to do at the beginning, since everyone

lives there. But I couldnt find a vacant room

Ah, thats possible. Since its a cutting edge and advanced city,
theres a lot of people looking for places to stay.

The apartment Tenryo siblings purchased on the top floor was

vacant because of a coincidence.

Were it to suddenly turn unavailable, they too would have a hard

time finding a room for them. The students flock to the Kiritou
dormitories because of similar circumstances.

Let me ask first, do you have money? It takes a lot to live alone.

I have plenty. I wasnt always a shut-in.

No, thats not something you should say while puffing your chest
proudly.

By the way, how much do you have?

Umm, this much?

Shio displayed the data on her savings in a window. Fuyuki looked
at the lump of numbers for a few seconds

it seems like well have Shii-chan treat us a lot.

Why?!

As if she saw something absurd, her pupils displayed shock.

Since she wasnt convinced, Fuyuki started tickling Shios whole

body. Rui who was next to Taiga whispered in secret.

How much do you think it was?

I cant even imagine.

Since Fuyuki who has been earning money as she worked for
Karasuba had such a reaction, it must have been a considerable
amount. Fuyuki who has always been working hard, and (though it
sounds bad) Shio who has always been a shut-in. It was clear how
absurd a difference between the worlds they were born into was.

Finally Fuyuki stopped tickling Shio and returned to the two.

I-I thought Id die from laughing

You reap what you sow.

A somewhat refreshed Fuyuki put a hand on her hip and said.

for the time being it seems like its unreasonable to worry
about financial issues. But Shii-chan is naive to think she can
manage living alone.

Naive I dont want to be told that by Hime-chan.

Although what Shio said was correct, but there was also some truth
in what Fuyuki said. Rui followed up with a question.

Cleaning, laundry, cooking. You have to do it all alone right? Can

you do that?

I investigated it but Im anxious.

Then, lets put it to a test.

Test?

Yes. Whether youre capable of living alone or not, we will

perform an examination. If you pass, we wont say anything. But if
it fails Shii-chan will have to give up on living alone until youre
capable enough.

The four met up safely and left the central station, first thing they
did was to carry out Shios check-in.

They were worried whether they could find accommodations for

her, but since it was a three-day weekend they were able to rent a
room in a business hotel without any problems.

In fact, Fuyuki and Taiga said You can stay in our place for a few
days inviting her, but she refused. Instead, Shio said I want to
stay in a hotel.

After that, the three of them took Shio to many places in the New
City. Time passed by very fast, and before long the sun reached its
apex.

Now then, feel free to go in.

Y-yup. Sorry to intrude.

Somewhat tense, Shio took off her shoes and entered the apartment
the Tenryo siblings were living in. Rui followed her while holding
ingredients she took from Paradise.

So Onii-san and Hime-chan are living in here

Fuyuki and Rui put the ingredients in the refrigerator while Taiga
prepared coffee. Shio looked around inside. Shes never been
outside of the Karasubas premises, so for her to see someone
elses home was something new.

Then, she opened one of the rooms curiously and peeked inside.

Thats a huge bed the bedroom? But why are there two pillows
c-can it be that they sleep together?!

She imagined the scene, and her cheeks started to feel hot.

Shio hurried back to the living room, Taiga has already finished
pouring coffee and he shook his head seeing her flushed face.

Did something happen?

Ah, no! Its nothing!

In order to deceive him, she immediately sipped from the cup she
received, but since there were no sugar nor milk inside, her face
distorted from bitterness.

What are you doing. Come on, drink this.

Thank you

He passed her the caf au lait he made for Fuyuki, she started to
sip it. After Fuyuki and Rui came over, the four of them took a
break.

Then, Taiga realized Shios state was weird, she seemed

uncomfortable.

Although at first glance it seemed as if she was relaxed as she sat

on the sofa, occasionally she made an unnatural gesture with her
leg. That movement was awkward too.
Rui also seemed to have noticed it, and she whispered to Taiga in
secret.

does her leg hurt? Isnt it better if Rui-san made lunch?

Indeed. Can you do that?

Leave it to me. Fuyuki, Ill prepare lunch, can you help me?

Eh? We should be testing Shii-chan today

Leave that for next time. Come on, lets go.

While saying that, Rui took Fuyukis hand and pulled her to the
kitchen. Taiga waited for the two to leave and asked quietly.

Shio. You, did you train today?

Uu

As he pointed it out, she looked away.

She was too fatigued from just walking around for two hours. She
mustve exhausted herself before coming to New City. When he
looked closely, he realized her upper arms and shoulders were
trembling, it was probably muscle pain.

I told you in the beginning. The purpose of it isnt to hurt the

body, whats important is to continue training every day and
increase the pace every day. First of all you need to increase your
stamina.

Im sorry because it was the first time meeting with Onii-san in

the real world, I wanted to show you the results of my training

She lowered her head slightly and looked up at him from below,
her face was pale.

It was unconscious but that gesture stirred the desire to protect in

him, Taiga let out a small sigh and knelt in front of her.

Shio, extend your leg. Ill give you a light massage.

E-ehh?!

Itll be painful for you to walk like this. It should be better if your
muscles relax.

He knew too well the discomforts of muscle pain. They couldnt be

avoided when one trained their body and it could be painful for
those not used to it.

Shios line of sight was wandering around, it must have still hurt,
she slowly held out her light leg to Taiga.

Ill take off your socks.

yes.

He gently took them off.

Her snow white bare foot was revealed, Taiga wrapped it with both
of his hands and pressured it with his fingertips.

Nnouch

A strange feeling ran through her every time his fingers pressed
her feet, and she let out a quiet moan.

It might be a little bit painful at first, but bear with it. Itll feel
good soon enough.

F-feel good

She knew very well she misunderstood it. But because she
imagined that kind of act, she hung her head embarrassedly.

Taiga ignored what she said and continued to carefully rub the
soles of her feet.

Shios feet are really beautiful.

Her skin was silky and smooth.

She must have never ran before. To a point he thought it was

impossible, but her feet were incredibly soft. His fingers sank in
with a light touch, he felt like wanting to touch it forever.

Naturally, with this massage his body started to heat up.

Fua a, kh
The pain has been gradually fading, and comfort replaced it.

Warmth spread around her body and the tiredness left her body as
if she was soaking in a bathtub, she couldnt focus no longer and
started daydreaming.

Ah this posture

She looked in front of her, Taiga was kneeling in front of her and
he held her foot in his hands.

Somehow Onii-san he holds it as if I was very fragile

As she thought that, a feeling went down her spine.

Heat came from her back which melted her reason, and her
breathing roughened. But the heat didnt subside.

Hime-chan is sleeping with Onii-san on that bed they must be in

close contact and hugging.

And a sight of the two, one overlapping the other was vividly
portrayed in her mind.

And the fact that a person who would do that kind of thing
was servicing her as if she was very brittle, made her irresistibly
thrilled.

Fuyuki and Rui who were in the kitchen couldnt see their figures.
But what if they were to come back? Surely they would be jealous.
They might get angry.

With such a racy situation, and because she was doing it in secret
from her best friend, she heated up further.

Ahhn.

She couldnt believe such a bewitching voice came out from her
own mouth.

please, further up.

Got it.

According to what Shio said, Taiga slid his fingers towards above
her ankles. He carefully rubbed her delicate legs which seemed
like they would break with too much force.

Nnfue
Unconsciously, Shio put the index finger of her light hand into her
mouth.

She rummaged in her mouth aroused and mushy, she entwined her
tongue around the finger to dissipate the heat.

In the middle of that conduct, what to do if Onii-san notices it,

her mind was occupied with such a thought; were he to raise his
head just a little bit, he would notice that she lost her cool and was
unable to think properly.

My heads all mushymushy its turning weird

She couldnt calm the feeling she had for the first time.

I dont care what happens nextjust when she thought that,

Taiga moved his fingers away. Shio immediately removed the
finger from her mouth.

W-what is it?

Hm? Im finished with the right leg so I though Id switch.

Aa, i-is that so thats good

Whats good?

Suddenly a voice came over from the kitchen, Shio felt as if her
heart was going to jump out of her chest.
As she turned around in a hurry, she saw Fuyuki carry plates of
sandwiches who gave them a questioning look.

what are you doing, you two.

It seems like she has muscle pain in her legs so I gave her a light
massage. Come on, hold out the other leg,

Uehh?! I-its fine already!

No, theres no point unless I massage both legs

It doesnt hurt any more! Thank you very much!

As expected, she didnt have courage to continue this in front of

Fuyuki, Shio put on her socks and hurried to the washroom.
Fuyuki and Taiga looked at her back and tilted their neck with
puzzled expressions at the same time.

Haa haaa

Shio entered the washroom and repeatedly took big breaths.

Her shame appeared after all this time. Her heart rampaged as if it
wanted to crack her ribs, and the face that was reflected in the
mirror was red like an apple.

W-why have I such a thing

The more she tried to remember it, the more her body heated up.
Even though she washed her face with cold water, the feeling of
her brain melting didnt disappear.

What was I thinking back then?

She wanted to snatch away her best friends dear person. She got
incredibly excited by such a perverted fantasy. Just by thinking
about snatching away someones precious thing, she couldnt
suppress herselfjust by imagining it, her heart started beating
hard.

Will he give me another massage

Shio licked her finger and her face reddened further, she splashed
it with cold water again after that.

Part 3
After that, the four ate sandwiches prepared by Rui, and spent an
hour while relaxing themselves in the Tenryos home. After that,
right before 2 p.m.

it really is an absurdly big building.

What towered in front of Taiga, was a building that seemed big

even among the multiple skyscrapers of the New City. The symbol
of the city and made by a large company that has developed
together with it.

Kiritou Groups headquarters.

They might be an emerging group, but theyre one of the four

major corporations. This is the least they need, otherwise theyd be
a joke. Karasuba has several sites of this size.

Fuyuki who was right next to him as he looked up at the building

responded. Judging from her tone of voice, she was feeling
grumpy, she probably prepared her emotions for the meeting with
the girl they were supposed to meet.

I didnt think you would come along. Dont you hate Haya?

I hate her. But I dont want you and that woman to stay alone
together.

She said that she will go together with him after they finished
eating lunch.

Although he half-given up after inviting her and getting refused

multiple times, she seemed to have a change of mind.

Since Little Sister has come lets finish it as fast as possible and
go back. Both Rucchan and Shii-chan are waiting.

As she said so, she sounded a small bell that was attached to the tip
of her sleeve. She changed before leaving home, the clothes she
wore were completely different from the ones she had in the
morning.

The refreshing sound came from the parka with black and red
plaids. The bells were attached around the wrists on the long
sleeves, the hood had a cat ears decoration attached. From between
the twenty centimetres mini skirt and high knee-socks peeked the
area called absolute territory.

Overall, the coordination made her seem like a cat.

Its the first time I see these clothes.

This outfit has been chosen by Rucchan, does it suit me?

Fuyuki made a twirl in order to show it off. Her figure was lovely
and irresistible, so Taiga dodged the issue and averted his eyes.

I-is it okay to wear that now? You should have left it for a more
important occasion.

No, its fine to use them now. These are battle clothes after all.

As she stared at him, Taiga drew back a single step. Thats when a
mechanical sound of an alarm bell set in the terminal rang out. It
was time.

lets go.
Yes. Lets quickly finish this up.

The two entered the huge buildings first floor, and arrived at the
entrance hall.

Too slow. Youre late, Taiga.

A scolding voice came from the side. They checked the time on
reflex, it was only about thirty seconds late from the promised
time.

cant you overlook a one minute error?

Nope. Dont you know the phrase time is money? A guy like
you who makes me wait when Im damn busy like this needs to be
punished.

Haya was wearing a suit that as usual, didnt fit her. She got up
from a sofa gaining a strong momentum.

There was no one else other than the three of them in the large
entrance hall, besides them there were only service drones. Hayas
tone was that of her real self. He wanted to protest against that
unreasonable decision of hers, but before he could do that Fuyuki
went in front.

Thats quite a bossy attitude from you to someone whom you

asked for help, you female fox. At this rate, I might just do an U-
turn and go back.

Oh, you really came. Certainly I asked for you to come, but dont
you think coming on time after accepting is an obvious thing to
do?

Grrr that wicked backchat of yours is getting on my nerves

Easily defeated, Fuyuki glared at Haya with chagrin on her face.

However Haya completely ignored it and walked calmly towards
the two.

Since theres no time, lets hurry up and move. Ill explain

everything in detail in my room, come.

Fuyuki and Taiga followed right behind her; rather than towards
the high-speed elevator that was in the centre of the hall, they got
on the cargo elevator that was on the halls edge, behind the
emergency evacuation doors.

Why not use that elevator?

Thats because you two are outsiders for the time being. In order
not to make it troublesome later on, I chose a route where you
wont get caught by security. Or maybe I should have ignored
that?

no, Im thankful.
Fuyuki obediently showed her gratitude.

As someone who escaped from another of the four major

companies Karasubam she didnt want to remain in any footage.
That was also one of reasons she was reluctant to come to Kiritou
headquarters.

After the elevator rode up to the thirty-third floor, they proceeded

down the empty hallway. The entrance hall was the same, there
were no signs of life.

What about other employees?

They all log in to the headquarters structure from their own

laboratories. Normally a few dozen of them would be working in
the real world, but currently theyre too busy to do that because of
the defects all over.

This doesnt seem like the healthiest place to work in

All cyber-related companies seem similar. Karasubas staff also

work inside the structure.

They arrived in her room while chatting.

Haya opened the lock with her terminal and they entered; she sat
down on the sofa seemingly tired. Taiga and Fuyuki looked around
the room curiously.
let me tell you something, checking out a ladys room is rude.

No, I know that but I didnt think there would be a private

room like this in the headquarters building.

I feel the same. A refrigerator by the bed, table, kitchen and

tableware theres even a uniform here.

Well, thats because I live here.

She replied to Taigas and Fuyukis question as if it was

troublesome.

The last time I returned home was six, seven years ago?

Seven years, werent you an elementary-schooler back then?

Even if I went back, I would be alone; theres no difference.

The room indeed gave off a feeling that someone lived in it, she
must have used it for a long time.

It was more spacious than an average apartment and at the thirty-

third floor the view was first class. If one were to overlook the fact
theres no partition between the kitchen and living room, one could
live comfortably in it.

What do you do about meals?

I cook for myself. I have ingredients delivered every day. Going

shopping every day is a hassle hey, it has nothing to do with
this.

*bam*, she clapped her hands to get the attention of the siblings.
She didnt call them here to chat.

Ill tell you what you are going to do. Especially Fuyuki-san who
will be acting alone, make sure you listen.

Little Sister will be alone?

I want you to examine the main server miss. I dont know

whether youre aware of it or not, but its impossible to log in to
the main server by using normal means.

I know that much. On top of it having to be unlocked, one needs

to log in to its coordinates directly.

The server machine was installed deep underground and couldnt

Cyber World
be accessed physically, it couldnt be accessed from Elysion either.
Thats why, in order to access it, one had to release two layers of
security.

There was a small scale structure that acted as a barrier for the
main server. It could be released only from the Kiritou
headquarters structure.

And the second, was phasing into the server itself.

The small-scale structure that acted as its operation panel wasnt
connected to the headquarters and couldnt be accessed normally.
Even in Kiritou the amount of people who knew its coordinates
was limited, it could be entered only by adding its coordinates as a
default location in the Arclight.

With these two security methods, the main server has been
completely shut out from the outside.

I know the coordinates of the server. The problem is the

electronic barrier, there is no choice but to release it directly from
the security room.

Cant you do it somehow with your privileges as the Presidents

daughter?

Its not that easy. Thats why I will sneak in and unlock it.

ha?

Hearing these disturbing words that suddenly appeared, the

siblings voices responded in sync.

whats with your expressions. You didnt think there was a

legitimate way to allow outsiders to access the server, did you?

No, I thought you would do something about it with your

privileges rather, isnt that a crime?
Thats if we get caught. Theres no problem as long as we dont.

The siblings were amazed, hearing that logic of hers. Haya hung
her head, made a dark smile and cursed.

Just how much do you think I was inconvenienced by these

defects I could only sleep for thirty minutes yesterday and had to
listen to that shitty old mans orders Im at my limit

It seemed like her thinking simplified as much as it could because

of the frustration and fatigue.

In other words as long as she can solve it, she wont stop at
anything.

well, if I were to go back after coming this far it would be a

waste of time and I would be troubled if the damage was spread to
Aries any more than it already has. Ill do it.

Is it fine?

Something like committing a crime never bothered me in the first

place.

I guess youre right.

When he thought about it, it was certainly true that Fuyuki

continued to hack in and access things without authorization on a
daily basis, even Taiga did such a thing before. It was too late to
mind it.

So. Haya, specifically what do we do?

Firstly, I will dive alone to allow Taiga to move freely. After that,
I will go with you to the security room to release the lock. Fuyuki-
san will log in to the server room when signalled by us and find the
cause of the defects something like that.

So Little Sister has to stay on standby for a while.

Ill send you the coordinates by mail when everything is ready.

The headquarters cant tell whats happening in the server room so
you can take your time.

Ill finish it in an hour.

Ohh, how reliable.

After telling them what their roles were, Haya confirmed the time
on the terminal.

2:15 p.m.If she wasnt wrong, the President should have a

regular meeting with executives starting from 2:30 p.m.. Just in
case, it would be best to trespass on the main server at that hour.

All right, Ill go ahead first. Taiga will come in, in fifteen
minutes.
There were three Arclights located in the corner of the room
two chair-type medium sized Arclights and one small headgear-
type Arclightshe selected a medium-sized machine and
immediately started the log-in process to enter the virtual world.

then Ill use this one.

Taiga picked up a small machine without hesitation. Then, he saw

characters carved in on the medium-sized machine beside him.

AOKO ASUMI? Asumi Aoko, that was the name of Hayas

friend wasnt it.

He wondered why would there be three Arclights, but it seemed

like one of the medium-sized ones belonged to Asumi Aoko. Since
a medium-sized Arclight was hard to move, she must have been
here very often.

Well, that doesnt matter.

Taiga cleared his thoughts and leaned on the sofa. A small-type

Arclight didnt have anything to support the body so he needed to
sit on something.

Five minutes later, Taiga closed his eyes and continued to wait for
the specified timethats when he felt a small weight on his
knees.
Fuyuki?

When he opened his eyes he saw Fuyuki sitting on top of his knees
and facing him.

What is it?

Despite feeling her soft buttocks and thighs, he gently asked under
the guise of being calm.

She hesitated for a while, and soon after, she finally began to
squeeze the words out.

Brother, what do you think about me?

What you say

Recently, I think youve been avoiding your little sister does it

mean that because of what happened, you have come to hate her?

His little sisters eyes started to overflow with tears.

She must have meant the incident at the sea, while Taiga avoided
the topic and, as not to stay with her alone, he intentionally made it
so there was someone else with them. However, it wasnt because
he hated Fuyuki, but because he wouldnt be able to maintain his
reason unless he did that. If anything, it was just the opposite from
hating her.

But Fuyuki didnt think of it like that. No, it would be too much to
ask for her to guess it.

As a result, she started thinking that she has been hated by him
because she went out of control back thena mass of negative
emotions has pushed her in a negative direction.

what am I doing, really.

He was ashamed of making assumptions on his own while in front

of his anxious little sister.

That she would be beside him even if he acted firmly and didnt
answer to her attempts to get closerhe forced such a
convenient delusion on her. He should have known about her
insecurity ever since the incident with Shio happened. Although
she finally summoned courage and approached him, rather than
them getting closer to each other, he had distanced himself from
her.

She was more and more insecure, uneasy and anxious, but she still
continued to stay beside him without running away.

Its my fault, isnt it.

Fuyuki honestly relayed her feelings to him.

Thats whyhe had to respond to them properly.

sorry.

Ah

He tightly hugged his trembling little sister.

Her small body was soft and warm, a sweet scent spread from her
glossy black hair making his heart beat rapidly. Taiga took
Fuyukis hand and put it on his chest.

My heart, its beating like mad, isnt it?

yes. *thump* *thump*, its on a rampage.

In order to feel his heartbeat better, Fuyuki placed her palm on his
chest. And as the two were in an even closer contact, his heart
started to pound adequately harder.

the reason for it to become like that, is you.

Eh?

As she threw him a confused glance, Taiga felt a slight irritation.

Why does this little sister of his whos unusually sharp suddenly
become slow when it comes to things like thishe stared
straight into Fuyukis eyes and declared.
I told you already! Thats how it turns out when Im with you!

Hearing Taigas words, her expression froze.

And suddenly, large tears poured from her eyes. Taiga panicked
because it was so sudden, he cradled her head and stroked it.
W-what is it?

Uu.ah, thats Im so happy

She continued to cry like a child. She was so very happy she
couldnt help itdirectly hit by those emotions, she rested her
head on his chest.

Finally my feelings reached Onii

Fuyuki grasped Taigas head with both of her hands and turned his
head towards her, and her face approached him.

There was no reason for him to refuse it.

Their lips touched lightly.

It happened only for a second at most. Fuyuki immediately moved

her face away and stared at Taiga before she overlapped his lips
with his once again. This time it was a passionate kiss during
which they were taking turns to breathe.

Nnchufuaammu

They were engrossed in seeking each other out.

They didnt stop, they didnt even think of stopping.

Only wanting to convey the passion in their hearts to the other

they repeatedly kissed while thinking of that.

Oniii I lub you

There were five more minutes left until the time specified by Haya
came, their lips didnt leave each other until then.

Part 4
Meanwhile, Rui and Shio who parted from the Tenryo siblings
were inside of a shop located in a corner of New City.

Shio-chan, how about that table? The price is reasonable and the
design is pretty nice?

Shio put a hand on her chin and looked at the antique table Rui
recommended from various angles. She couldnt tell if the price
was good since she didnt know the market, but she thought that a
wooden furniture wasnt bad.

yes. I think its good.

Okay, then Ill add it to the list

Rui took a photo of the table and its price, she also entered the
name of shop into file. There were some goods already marked on
the memo; after looking around the store they found the table, they
left it.

Weve steadily decided on the potential furnishings.

Its all thanks to Rui-chans assistance, I wouldnt be able to

choose it alone.

For her who had no knowledge whatsoever, the idea of choosing

the furniture didnt even appear in her mind. While she was
grateful to Rui for mentioning it, she was also apologetic.

I dont really need to decide on anything by myself, do I.

Even though she said she will live alone, she couldnt do anything
on her own. Just because she wanted to run away from her family
she troubled her friendsshe hated herself for that.

Youve been making a difficult expression for a while now, are

you worried about something?

Rui asked her that when they sat down on a bench in the park to
take a break. Shio touched her face and asked timidly.

so I made such an expression.

Yup. If you want you can consult with Rui-san?

She put on a friendly smile as she said that. Somewhat enveloped

in that smile, Shio confessed what was troubling her.
I see. You dont know whether you made the right decision or
not, you dont have confidence.

In the end, Im just running away again I dont have any reason
to live alone aside from wanting to distance myself from my
family

That was what made her hesitate.

Despite wanting to take a step forward, her leg was clinging to the
past, it was an emotion which resembled mud.

Then why dont you find a more positive reason.

Rui easily cut off the chains that were binding her.

Running away, fleeing, those kinds of words cause negative

image and feelings. What about Shio-chan, you were looking for
a house in New City, right?

Y-yes. Being together with everyone is fun after all

Then just make that your reason. Whether its Fuyuki or Taiga,
whoever. Wanting to be together with. Isnt that a very positive
thing?

but.
Also, its just Rui-sans selfish opinion, but I think running away
is not such a bad thing. As long as you find something after
running away, I think its a great thing to do.

Running away is all rightRuis words lodged themselves in

Shios chest.

It wasnt that her hesitation disappeared. Rui just showed her a

different point of view. But that gave her the courage to take a step
ahead.

thank you, Rui-chan.

Youre welcome. Well then! Now that youve decided it

yourself, you need to overcome the test to convince Fuyuki. Lets
go back and do special training!

S-special training?

Even if the test doesnt happen, you still need to get better at
housework. Now, lezzgo!

A-awawa

The two girls started to make a commotion and disappeared in the

crowd.
Part 5
now then, with this the electronic barrier has been dealt with.
Cyber World
Inside of Elysion, in a corner of Kiritou headquarters structure.

Haya managed to sneak into the security room and tamper with the
settings there. She raised her head up, Taiga who was watching
whether anyone was coming finally loosened his shoulders.

Finally it took a while.

Well, it is a barrier protecting the server room. Releasing it is a

complex process in itself. Rather, isnt it your fault for coming
late? What were you doing?

As Haya stared at him, Taiga unconsciously raised a hand to his

lips. Because he was kissing like crazy with Fuyuki he forgot about
the time, but he couldnt say that.

well, thats fine. Lets hurry and get out. Even if all the
employees are busy, theres no guarantee that nobody will come.

Normally there would be employees in the security room, and even

Haya wouldnt be able to move freely in there. But now that they
were all pressured to deal with a huge number of bugs that
appeared frequently, even the minimum amount of people assigned
to it have been relocated. Thanks to that, they were able to sneak
in.

Even so those clothes of yours, they seem weird no matter how

many times I see them.

Sorry about that. They dont suit me anyway.

Taiga grumbled disgruntled, he was wearing a black formal suit.

Even though he had a neatly tied necktie, he didnt look like an
employee.

Ara, I didnt say they dont suit you? Im just used to seeing you
in school uniform. It just feels like its overdoing it.

So youre making fun of me after all.

Could you stop pouting? I explained already why you need a

suit.

Even if he was with Haya, he couldnt just walk around in the

Kiritou Structure while wearing plain clothes.

And so, he used a suits data to dress himself, he couldnt get used
to this type of clothing. He felt restless and didnt want to wear
them for too long.

Lets go then. Until Imouto-san finished her work Im going to

have you work your ass off as well.
Hey hey

They contacted Fuyuki after taking down the barrier and sent her
the server coordinates and left the security room at a brisk pace.
Thanks to Taiga sensing people around, they were able to leave
without bumping into anyone.

In order to return to the top, instead of using an elevator, they

headed to a transfer circle (A point that allowed transferring. A
huge stream of people appeared and disappeared from there able to
transition indefinitely). They passed by dozens of staff in the
meantime, it was full of people unlike the headquarters building in
the real world. It seemed to be true that all the staff were logged
into the structure.

By the way, since she was in front of people, Haya turned into her
faade-mode.

Even though it was so quiet in the real world.

Thats because all the staff are logged in. The only thing in the
real world that moves are the reception drones.

And what about the people who are visiting?

They are being connected to the support thats in here. Logging

out for every visitor would be a hassle.
Thats being lazy.

All cyber-related companies are like that, you know? A researcher

wouldnt log out every time someone wants to ask them a few
questions.

Its a miracle their physique doesnt break down ah, I see.

Medium-sized Arclights come with supporting functions dont
they.

In addition to life support functions, medium-sized machines came

with a few other ones as well.

Thanks to that people were able to stay logged in for a week. That
said though, there were cases of people dying due to debilitation
because of diving in cyber world for too long.

They arrived at the transfer point as they talked.

eh? Arent we going back?

No, theres a limit to how much we can do in there. Were going

to work in another room.

Although Taiga thought they will go back to the login point at the
thirty-third floor, Haya set the transfer location to the thirty-fourth
floor. Since there were thirty-five floors in total, it was one floor
below the top.
oh, right. Iora, its about time you came back. Come out.

Just before starting the transfer, Haya called out to the empty space
behind her.

Responding to her voice, Iora appeared with a phosphorescent light

and bowed. Seeing that gesture made Taiga feel somewhat
uncomfortable.

Is there anything, Master?

Dont is there anything me. Why havent you shown yourself up

until now?

I was in a different structure.

Geez did I let you roam a bit too freely?

Haya sighed and started the transfer circle, moving to a floor about
sixty metres away was instantaneous in the virtual reality. It
seemed like there werent any labs on the floor they entered, there
were almost no people in the hallway. As they looked, they could
only see men and women in suits walk towards them from the
front.

Then, Hayas movement stopped.

Seeing her suddenly stop, Taiga followed her line of sight. Rather
than at the men and women in front, she looked at the man
between them. Even Taiga knew that man.

Kiritou Kouya.

The leader of the Kiritou Group, Hayas father.

He saw the photo of the schools founder, but the real thing had a
really cold look in his eyes. The woman beside him must have
been his secretary. They must have noticed them because the
woman whispered to Kiritou Kouya.

Kouya looked up and his gaze met with Hayas.

so you still havent disposed of that junk.

The one who spoke first was Kouya. He looked towards Iora who
was floating above Hayas shoulder.

Ive told you before. You should dispose something as useless as

an AI right away.

I apologize Father. I cannot obey that command.

With a voice as sharp and cold as ice, Haya responded quietly.

You should also have understood the rarity of this AI Iolite. As

long as its kept in storage it will definitely be useful in the fut

There is no need for that. Theres nothing we can obtain from that
AI.

He cut in in the middle of Hayas sentence as if it was not worth

listening to. As Haya tried to refute, the secretary broke in between
them.

President, its almost time for the regular meeting. Please hurry.

Got it.

Kouya responded shortly and passed by Haya as if it was a waste

of time to talk with her. He glanced at Taiga who stood behind for
a moment, but soon after he lost interest and disappeared after
entering the transfer circle.

The hallway turned silent once again.

Taiga couldnt find any words to say, and just stared at Haya
silently. About ten seconds later, Haya formed a fist and hit the
wall with all her strength, she made a small sigh.

lets go, Taiga-kun.

As she looked up, she had still the same meek smile. No, it wasnt
the same at all.

Although she had the mask of a yamato nadeshiko on her face,

recently he became able to peek through the mask at her true self.
But he couldnt even imagine what kind of emotions she felt at the
moment.

A perfect daughter of the Presidenther current appearance was

the embodiment of these words.

The room in that corner. Please follow me.

okay.

He followed Haya whose emotionless smile disappeared and

entered the room.

The room was silent, the only thing that sounded inside were
electronic sounds as the data passed through.

The two continued to work wordlessly. It was an incredible

amount of work for them to fix the data that was falling apart, they
proceeded at high speed.

all right, with this its done

Im done over here.

Taiga took a step towards her and passed the data to her, Haya let
out a voice impressed.

I already thought so earlier when you helped me out, but your

dynamic vision and reflexes are outstanding. Youre really suited
to simple tasks like these.

Is that any good?

Fifteen minutes after they started working, the room that was
originally flooded with crystals was cleaned up. Although there
were three of them (Iora didnt say anything and just continued to
work in silence), he was wondering if there was any real meaning
for him to tidy it up.

hey Taiga. Youre living alone with your little sister, arent
you?

Unexpectedly, Haya asked him such a thing. He didnt know what

did she intend by asking such a question, but he responded and
asked.

Thats right, what about it?

How are your relationships with your family?

Hearing that answer, he finally understood what was her intent. It

was caused by what happened earlier with Kiritou Kouya.

Really, you. You shouldnt get too involved with the people you
use..

Thank you for the concern. But you dont need to bother with it.
So, how is it?
they both died eight years ago.

Since there was nothing in particular to hide, he honestly

answered.

is that so. I asked something bad.

I dont really mind. Its something that happened when I was a

kid. What about you? From what I saw, it doesnt seem like youre
getting along too well.

Its in a completely dimension from what you would call not

getting along.

Haya let out a sigh and turned to look towards the ceiling. Taiga
had no idea how to call the emotions that were dwelling in her
pupils.

Although were undoubtedly blood-related, I never thought of

him as my father. He doesnt see me as his daughter either.

you hate each other a lot.

If you put it in terms of love or hate, then youre without a doubt

right. But thats not a proper representation. If I were to put it in
words our existences are incompatible, or something like that.

Personality, thinking, principles, objectives, behavioureach

and every one of these factors were different between Kiritou Haya
and Kiritou Kouya, it was like heaven and earth. Or thats at least
what Haya thought. Were she to be told that shes an adopted
daughter, it would make more sense.

Your mother?

She died soon after giving birth to me. Thats why I never felt
anything like being appreciated by the family. Honestly, Im
jealous of your and your little sisters relationship. For someone to
believe another person so unconditionally is amazing.

When she spoke about his relationship with Fuyuki, his heart
skipped a beat, but he immediately noticed it wasnt said in that
sense and was relieved. At the same time, he was shocked.

You thought something like that? Can it be that you being on bad
terms with Fuyuki is because

Youre half correct. The other half is just because I dont like
her.

Kiritou Haya was always alone.

She didnt have any family beside her, in order to acquire proper
education and to act with a ladys dignity, she spent every day
being strictly tutored. She didnt make any friends even after
entering the school. In this sense, she and Fuyuki might resemble
each other. And yet
Imouto-san has you. Youre tied by ties stronger than anything
else in the world. I might be a little jealous of that but since its
pathetic I dont want to admit it.

but even you had a best friend, havent you?

That might be right but even so, the grass is always greener on
the other side.

Yeah, this girl was yearning for familythats what Taiga

thought. Precisely because it was an illusion which wouldnt come
true, she couldnt help but embrace the unobtainable dream.

hey, what kind of person was Asumi Aoko?

Whats with that sudden question?

Im curious what kind of person would be friends with a someone

as obstinate as you.

thats a really annoying way to say it oh well. Ill tell you

since were taking a break anyway.

While saying that, Haya held out a single window.

It was the photo Taiga previously peeped on in the schools

classroom. On it, there were two girls wearing the Kiritou
Academys uniforms. One of them was Haya, the other was a
female student with long bluish-black hair.
Thats Aoko. She was the same age as me, a researcher that used
to be a member of Kiritou.

She looks just like Iora.

Its the opposite, its Iora who looks like Aoko.

The two on the photo were linking arms and laughing, there was a
cherry tree behind them. He thought it must have been from the
entrance ceremony.

Even though you asked me what kind of person she was I cant
easily explain it. But theres one thing I can say for sure, she was a
genius.

Genius, huh.

It was a word Taiga heard often. But since Haya already knew
Fuyuki, the weight of her words was different.

If youre saying that, then she mustve been incredible.

Yeah. At the very least I couldnt even reach the level of her feet.
Although I said we were developing Iora together, shes been
actually developed almost single-handedly by Aoko.

Really?

I was responsible for things like debugging. Aoko was not good
with things like that. You know the people who devote themselves
completely to something, and yet they arent interested at all in
others. She was an exemplary representative of that kind, I had a
hard time being with her.

but you look happy as you talk about it.

Although she complained about it, she couldnt hide a smile

blooming on her face. It was different from how it was when she
talked with Taiga and Fuyuki, those were sincere emotions.

well, there was lots of stuff happening but it was fun.

Her expression clouded over for a moment as she said lots of

stuff, Taiga didnt miss it. It seemed like it wasnt just happy
memories.

Now then, lets go proceed to the next room.

Haya stood up as if signalling the end of the story.

And Taiga who thought he was finally done with helping out asked
with a disgruntled voice.

theres still more?

Of course. At the very least, Ill have you help me out until
Fuyuki-san finds the cause of the problem. Although she said
shell finish in an hour well, my estimate is that shell need at
least three hours.

You serious

Not even twenty minutes have passed since they sent Fuyuki
coordinates of the server room. Were she to finish it in three hours,
the day would be already over.

I guess well have to give up on rejoining Rui and Shio.

Taiga opened a window with mail software. He wrote a mail

addressed to Rui and Shio saying see you tomorrow and

Eh?

With a sound of glass breaking, sending was cancelled. The text

written in the window said Sending failed.

He tried again but the result didnt change. The two words
indicating failure to send were all that was displayed. Even when
he changed the destination to Fuyuki there was no difference.

did it break?

It might have been broken were it to be the real world, but this was
the virtual world. There is no such thing as equipment breaking
in it.

What is it Taiga?
No, I tried to send a mail but it didnt go through sorry but can
you send one for me?

It cant be helpedhey, I cant do it either. Maybe the lines

crowded. Log out and try sending it from the real world.

Got it.

He did as she said and activated the logout process.

The process for disconnecting the mental structure from the virtual
world progressedand with a sound of glass breaking, it was
cancelled.

hey hey.

He muttered stunned by the fact that even that failed.

Wait.

That moment, his intuition warned him.

He experienced such a situation once before. That was when he

rushed to where Fuyuki and Shio were when they faced Angel

*shh*, his thinking cooled down.

It was different. That was nothing like the line being crowded.
They couldnt contact the outsideknowing that fact, cold
sweat started flowing down his back.

Haya, can we transition to another structure from here?

A different structure? You can do it if you go to a transfer point

that supports it.

All right, lets go right now.

Haa? Why?

Explanations later. Hurry up. If we dont hurry, itll be too late

Thats pointless. This place is already under my control.

You wont escape that easily.

What sounded in his ears, was an unforgettable voice.

It was impossible. It couldnt be. The virtual body cloaked in white

robes wasnt there, there was only a small AI clad in pale light

Preparations are complete with this no one can stop me.

What entered Taigas field of vision after he turned around was AI

Iolite who had a smile unlike her on her face. Her appearance
distorted and expanded, with her form intact she increased her size
several times.

I really cant get used to a small body. Its hard to move in it.
Although this is a body I made, I should have thought more about
the convenience of using it.

In an instant Iora increased in size and became as big as Taiga and

Hayathe virtual body was usually covered with a white robe,
Angel rotated its shoulder lightly.

calm down. If you get upset youll make it more convenient for
the enemy.
As not to agitate the enemy, Taiga quickly confirmed the
situation they were in.

The exit from the room was behind Angel, they needed to pass by
him in order to get out.

As to not let Angel hear it, Taiga whispered to Haya and noticed
an abnormality.

Ill make an opening. Use it to run outsideHaya?

that voice no way but it cant be, shes supposed to

be

It wasnt just her voice that was trembling. Her entire body was
trembling as if she saw something that shouldnt exist; witnessed
something that shouldnt have been.

Her appearance being the same was obvious, thats how Iora was.
But that voice, that voice which made people think she was making
fun of them was just like hers.

oh right. I havent greeted you yet.

Seeing Haya like that, Angel made a faint smile.

Its the second time we meet, Tenryo Taiga. Andits been a

while, Haya. Looks like you remember me, Im glad.
Aoko!

Angelno, the girl who was supposed to be dead. Asumi Aoko

stood in front of the two with an innocent smile on her face.
 Chapter 4 Banquet of the dead

Part 1
where is this place?

Seeing reality skewed from what it should be, Fuyuki raised a

puzzled voice.

In front of her was spread an empty and white space. The

perspective deviation came from that one colour that was spread in
every direction.

Thats weird. Did I mistype the coordinates?

She properly set the login coordinates according to the ones she
has been given in a mail from Haya. The electronic barrier was
released according to the plan, she should have penetrated the
server room. However, no matter how she looked at it, it was a
different location from the one she wanted to enter.

She couldnt think of anything else other than mistyping

coordinates.

I was too happy and became careless.

Normally Fuyuki would never made such a mistake. But because

she was spending her sweet time earlier her head was all mushy
and simmering. It must have been because of the afterglow after
that.

She tried to get herself into shape by slapping her both cheeks.
Even if it was a request from someone she didnt like, once she
accepts it she would finish it properly. Her pride is on the line
when it came to completing itdespite that, the smile on her
face wouldnt disappear.

after we go back lets do it again. Until then I need bear it.

She reminded herself to stay in focus.

What would that female fox say were she to fail. After imagining
that scene her thinking gradually changed.

In any case, she needs to enter the server room first. She needed to
log out and check it once againthe moment she tried starting
the logout process a red crystal stuck into the window and forcibly
stopped the process.

How cold. Even though I went through so much trouble to invite

you, youre going back already?

Hearing a voice sound from behind at the same time, Fuyuki

turned around to look towards the source.

Well, I wont let you go.

How long has it been there. Five metres away from her stood a
virtual body clad in a white robe. She couldnt forget it, the cursed
enemy who used Shio before.

why are you here Angel.

Didnt I tell you just now? I invited you here.

Invitedshe repeated that word thinking about the meaning. It

was obvious that this wasnt the server room. And if the
coordinates she typed in were correct, there was one possibility to
consider.

youve hacked the Arclight and rewritten the coordinates Little

Sister entered havent you.

Correct. Its a great help that you understood it this fast.

Whats up with the correct. Thats crazy.

She started swearing in her mind.

Hacking an Arclight. Rather than whether it was possible or

impossible, the difficulty level was immeasurably high. It was on a
level that would make it hard even for Fuyuki. Furthermore,
judging by the fact she was unable to log out, there must have been
a barrier spread around the space.

But no matter how much she thought, she couldnt find the reason
for what was happening.

Whats your purpose. You havent come here to chat, have you?

Chatting huh. That might have been nice.

Angels easy going attitude was undisturbed. And since it didnt

show any gestures at all, it made it seem like it really didnt come
just to talk. That appearance further deepened her suspicions.

There was no way it had no purpose. To rewrite the coordinates the

moment Fuyuki was about to dive would be impossible unless it
was watching her movements. For it to go that far to confine her,
there had to be a reason

locked in?

It was different from that. Completely different.

It was not that it didnt have a purpose, it has achieved it already.

Trapping Tenryo Fuyuki in this space, that was Angels
purpose. In other wordsto stall her!

!!

I wont let you.

Something was happening on the other side. Brother was in danger

she immediately determined herself and attempted to break
through the barrier but the window was destroyed by a red crystal
thrown by Angel.

It would be troublesome were you to get out. Sorry, but Ill have
you play with me in this Prison I prepared.

youre not the Angel himself are you. Youre an

autonomously operating program right?

Hee. Youve already seen through it you are dangerous after

all.

Fuyuki managed to see through the identity of Angel who was in

front of her.

A program planted with the routine thinking of its author, a

program acting according to its authors personality. It mustve
been prepared in order to stall Fuyuki. It looked like Angel
was preparing something really dangerous.

Ill say it only once. If you dont want to be scrapped disappear at

once.

Thats something I cant agree with. If you want to go to where

Tenryo Taiga istry eliminating me with all your strength
first!

Fuyuki and Angel opened windows at the same time, blue and
red crystals clashed.

Part 2
Its been a while, Haya. Looks like you remember me, Im
glad.

Aoko!

Haya spoke the name of the girl who no longer existed.

She couldnt be alive. She died from an illness a year ago without a
doubt. Haya gave her a proper burial. There was no way the girl in
front of her was Asumi Aoko.

But Haya was convinced with just a glance. The person in front of
her was Asumi Aoko.

why.

Why are you alive is a pointless question so stop that would

you? As you already know, the person called Asumi Aoko is
already dead. Thats the reality which wont change.

Dumbfounded,

Haya stared at AngelAsumi Aoko who informed her with

a smile.
It was no different from when she was alive, a beautiful smile.

But for some reason, her smile which should have felt nostalgic
caused her to feel mysterious fear.

Making such a face when facing your best friend, that makes even
me hurt.

you must be joking. If youre the Aoko I know, then you wont
be shaken by this much. Rather, you would rather be enjoying the
sight of me being taken aback.

Undoubtedly.

Aoko let out a happy laughter. Haya looked vigilantly at her

female friend and asked.

What are you?

that way of speaking, looks like you have an idea well thats
obvious. You were at my side as I did my research.

Indeed, Haya knew already.

A way for someone who died to remain in this world, Asumi Aoko
knew more about it than anyone else.

Thats why that possibility appeared in her head before. It

appeared, but she didnt think about it much. Ill never use it
thats what she promised her.

Aoko you, do you know what have you done?! You crossed the
line that shouldve never been crossed! Thats

I know. Even I know that this is wrong.

She cut in the middle of Haya speaking, showing her

determination.

But this is what I have chosen. The Kiritou, I will destroy this
silly little world. Ill do anything to accomplish that.

destroy the Kiritou? What are you

You might be confused, but I have no time for idle talk. Its about
time I started.

Along with that declaration, she made a dry sound by snapping her
fingers. It was a signal.

Total System Control of Structure Kiritou Headquarters

Building Complete.

Firewall disabled. Limited connection with different structures

re-established.

Transferring virus program Zygote, starting virtual bodies

elimination.

Together with that voice, the walls, the floor, and the doors started
shaking.

Vibrations were emitted from all directions of the thirty-fourth

floor and spread to the entire structure in a blink of an eye,
producing countless black holes. It was also happening to the room
Taiga and Haya were currently in, the black stains appeared to the
left and right of Aoko and started to slowly expand.

What did you do?!

Whaat, I just thought of turning this place into a little hell. Youll
know soon enough rather than that, Tenryo Taiga. Youve been
glaring at me for a while now, got anything to say.

Aoko looked towards Taiga.

For a while now he was unable to understand what was happening

but there was only one thing he had to confirm.

Angel, no, Asumi Aoko was it. What have you done with Iora?

Iora? Oh, the virtual personality that was in this body. She was
swallowed by me and disappeared. Shes been resisting until the
very end but it was a waste of effort.

I see.
In Taigas mind the conversation he had with Iora at night was
revived.

Maybe she was able to feel Aokos presence. Thats why she said
something like were something to happen.

I need to keep my promise.

Taiga took a step ahead and loudly stretched himself.

H-hey Taiga?!

Haya, well talk later. We need to stop her before its too late.

He instructed the still-confused Haya.

He was already convinced.

The sixth sense that allowed him to avoid death thousands, tens of
thousands times told himthis girl has stepped into a wrong
road. If he doesnt stop her, itll be irreparable.

As Taiga looked straight ahead at her, Aoko laughed fearlessly.

Cyber World
Stop me? Unfortunately, its impossible for you guys. Elysion is
my home ground. The only risk factor which was Tenryo Fuyuki
has been rendered powerless. You have no way of stopping me.

you bitch. What did you do to her?

I confined her for a while. What, I dont intend to harm her. Ill
release her when its over.

Hearing Fuyukis name Taiga released murderous intent from his

entire body.

But even in front of intent an ordinary person wouldnt be able to

stand, Angel still smiled relaxedly.

Scary scary. Youre too scary I need to call a bodyguard.

*tap*, Aoko lightly hit the floor with her foot.

The black stain on the floor took a three-dimensional shape and

started to expand. Taiga has seen that before, he lowered his body
in order to protect Haya.

As expected, it changed into a jet-black knightZygote.

Moreover, there were two of them. They were already enhanced by
several stages.

This thing again

Nostalgic isnt it? I have reviewed what happened during the case
with Karasuba Shio, a low fighting capability wont stop you.
Thats why I allowed them to grow beforehand. Oh, even if you
destroy it no one will get hurt because of it so you dont have to
worry well, thats if you can destroy them!
With her voice as a signal the Zygote began their assault with
a powerful charge.

Taiga reflexively put a hand on his hip, but there were no weapon
there.

!! Damn!

He immediately switched to barehanded techniques and sent the

black knight flying.

He forgot. It wasnt Aries but the Kiritou Headquarters

structure. Attack-configured programs were made specifically for
Aries so he couldnt use it.

The black knight was blown away and hit the wall with a strong
impact. But despite having power that should be enough to crush
the armour, it didnt even have a scratch and rose up instantly.

Get back Taiga! The enemy is a virus, without an attack-

configured program you wont damage it!

Even so, theres nowhere to run!

Taiga responded to her while avoiding slashes from the two

enemies. The doorway was on the other side, behind the black
knights. It was impossible for them to pass.

Although he concentrated on avoiding, it was a small room that

didnt give him much room to do so. Together with Haya they
were gradually cornered against a wall.

now then, excuse me but Ill be leaving.

Aoko silently watched as the two were gradually cornered and

opened a window, her body has gradually disappeared. She was
using Transition to move somewhere. Haya immediately
broke out and started to run towards her.

Wait! Aoko!

Idiot dont go in front!

Haya didnt look around at all, she tried to run in a straight line to
Aoko. The black knight wouldnt miss such a defenceless target, a
large hatchet was swung at her head.

Heyyou retard!

Taiga managed to push her down in the nick of time, the hatchet
passed through empty space. Haya still tried to reach out
desperately.

Aoko! Aoko!!

Im going to the top floor. If you there is something, come up

there and tell me there.
Aoko left behind these words with a cold look in her eyes before
she dispersed like fog and disappeared. Hayas outstretched arms
fell down powerlessly.

But it was not the time to immerse in sentiments. Her body was
nearly bisected by a huge hatchet, Taiga embraced Haya and
jumped back at full power making distance from the knights.

!! What are you doing Taiga, we need to chase after Aoko!

Dont be so reckless.

Although Haya pulled his collar and commanded him, doing what
she said would be too reckless.

There was no opening between the two Zygotes. They didnt allow
him to rest by attacking in turns, chasing after Aoko would be
unreasonable like this. They were cornered little by little.

Fuck, at this rate well be done for!

He picked up Haya to carry her, leaving her behind was out of

question. Were he to break throughhe needed to risk a little.

Without any hesitation Taiga lowered his hips and flung her into
the air.

Wha!!
He ignored Haya who raised a complaint while in mid-air and
momentarily closed the distance that separated him and the black
knights.

While the Zygotes were distracted by the defenceless Haya for a

moment Taiga delivered a blow with his fists to the belly of one of
them, he took a half a step further after that and pounded the knight
into the ground. After that he turned his body while maintaining
the momentum and while dodging a slash at the same time he
delivered a roundhouse kick to the second knights neck.

The two black knights were blown away. Taiga immediately

started to run and gently caught the falling Haya.

thats quite an outrageous way of doing things.

Emergency measures. Lets hurry up and go!

He didnt destroy them, the black knights will chase after him soon
enough. The two hurried towards the exit of the roomand
seeing the sight spread out in front of them they were at a loss for
words.

whats this.

I just thought of turning this place into a little hell.

Aokos words were the truth.

If there were anything that could be called hell, then it would be
this scene. The walls were stained with vivid red, blood-like
colour.

About ten Zygotes were lined up in the hallway, under their feet
there were numerous researchers thrown as if they were garbage.

The large hatchet that rose up from the researchers body was clad
in blood-like a aura.

Jail. The military program allowing to capture the mental

structure, which was the human soul.

It has caused more than a dozen of people including Rui to fall into
a coma before, it was something that Aoko originally researched
and developed. It wasnt weird for her to have it. Howeverthe
spectacle of several hundred people falling to it was way too
unrealistic.

tell me this is a joke

In response to Hayas groan, the dozen of black knights have

turned their gaze towards the two. Moreover, the two that fell
down earlier got up and were behind them.

They had no way out. Fortunately, Taiga knew how to resist them.

He closed his eyes to calm his mind and took the pale Hayas hand.
Lets escape for now.

W-where to! Every floor must be flooded with these guys!

A place we can hide in. Arent you living in here?

He put some strength in the hand that grasped her wrist and stared
in her eyes that seemed to lose her will to resist; relaying calm
down with his line of sight. Haya let out a sigh.

in the back of third floor theres a secret room I made when I

was a child. We can hide in there.

Even though she tried to act calmly, her body was lightly
trembling. She was still in high school, it was hard for her to resist
panicking while facing such a hell.

All right. Lets go there. The transfer circle cant be used can
it.

Were he to be the invader, the first thing he would do is to seal

their mobility. Since Aoko took control of this place and was able
to use Transition, that meant they had no choice but to move
on her own two feet.

If I remember well, there were stairs. Looks like we need to use

them.

He dug in his memory and envisioned a map in his head. Since it

was a considerable distance and they had to pass through an open
area, they had no choice but to break through forcibly.

Sorry Haya, but bear with it for a while.

Eh? kyaa!!?

Taiga encompassed Hayas waist with his left arm and strongly
embraced her. Strength easily left her body and she left it to him,
taking a posture where she burried her face in his neck.

H-hey?! What are you doing at a time like!

Im going to run at full speed. Cling to me as if your life depends

on it.

Ignoring Hayas protests Taiga quietly lowered his hip.

The moment a hatchet was swung at them from behind, Taiga burst
out at top speed.

Haya was surprised by the sudden acceleration and involuntarily

she held onto him with both of her arms with all her strength.
Taiga dodged the Zygotes attacks with as little movements as
possible and continued to run through the hallway!

W-wait Taiga! This is harder than expect

Shut up, youll bite your tongue!

Although Haya complained about the speed that made her feel like
shell be shaken off, but he ignored it all.

Were they to drop the speed even a little they would be caught. If a
black knight equipped with Jail hit them with its hatchet, it
would be a fatal wound.

He paid attention to what happened both in front and in the back.

Since he didnt defeat the Zygotes they of course chased after

them, Since they were enhanced by several stages their physical
abilities were rivaling that of Taigas. He had to predict their
attacks, otherwise they would be struck down.

He sprinted down the hallway at an incredible speed. However, the

enemy wasnt a disorderly mob. Reinforcements used the stairs
and come from both above and below. With that they could no
longer use the stairs.

Tch!

There was no time to hesitate. Taiga prepared himself.

Haya! Well be going down to the third floor all at once, close
your eyes!

Wa-wait a second! You cant mean

He released the hand supporting Haya just for a moment and

kicked off the floor with all his strength.

There was a single Zygote in front of them. Taiga released a blow

with his fist to its belly and jumped on top of it.

After hanging in the air for a moment their momentum was lost
and the 2 people + 1 virus started falling and accelerating; drawn to
the ground by gravity!

KYAAAAAAAAAAA!

Because of the deafening scream Taigas eardrums were shaken as

he was in contact with the source, but he couldnt afford to concern
himself with it.

Need to concentrate on my vision If I miss the timing itll be all

over.

The scenery he was seeing flowed at high speed. He kicked off his
foothold right before reaching the third floor jumping into the
hallway.

Immediately after he rolled on the ground, he heard a sound of

something crashing into the bottom.

good, success.

What success! I thought Id die!

Haya hit Taiga with her right hand, a loud sound of a slap rang out.

Certainly, a free fall from the thirty-fourth floor was a scary thing
even in the virtual world.

Stop complaining, we escaped unscathed. Rather than that, lets

hurry and hide. Theyll come down to chase us.

fine, this way.

Guided by Haya, Taiga ran through the corridor filled with a huge
amount of virtual bodies on the ground.

Part 3
It happened during the winter six years ago.

The two girls still havent known each others names, it was the
second day after the fateful encounter.

In a hotel located in a certain remote city the twelve year old

Kiritou Haya was lazing around.

what am I doing, really.

Shes been rolling around on a bed for nearly an hour, and then she
suddenly muttered.
Were she to be asked why was she doing that, she would answer
because I have free time, but she still could use this time for
something productive.

even so, what should I do?

For now she stood up and stared at her blank schedule.

She had nothing she could call a hobby, after her everyday lessons
she just went to rest. In other words, she had nothing to do. After
such a lifestyle continued for two days in a row, Haya let out a
long sigh.

Haya was accompanying her father.

The reason she had arrived at this city could be described with
those words. Also, the reason she remained in the city even after
the party was over, was also her father.

Staying in here for two days because of work problems is fine, but
theres no reason for me to stay as well is there.

She complained in her mind only. There was no way she would
ever act in such a manner openlyin her short twelve-year long
life she had already remembered the rules of acting in society.

And thus, the girl with too much time hid the fact that she was
bored.
Oh right, I wonder what happened with the thief from yesterday.

On top of the desk beside the bed lied and shined her favourite
bracelet. The metal part was a little dirty, reminding her that what
happened the day before wasnt a dream.

Speaking of how it concluded, Haya let the thief girl go in the

end.

She thought that the hungry girl was quite miserable and she
herself didnt want to be questioned by the police. Were that to
happen her and father would need to leave the party venue, it
might have damaged Kiritous good name. There were only
disadvantages to it.

Lets take a stroll.

The surface and her inner selfin her heart a need to vent her
anger accumulated, Haya changed into appropriate plain clothes
and left to go to the unfamiliar town.

Thank you very much. We look forward to your next visita

100% textbook bussiness smile and line has seen her off after she
left the Namisagi brands retail store.

Yeah Namisagis Arclight technology is amazing after all it

may take ten years if not more to catch up

She spent two hours checking out plenty of new products that were
on sale today but in the end she wasnt able to, for the store clerks
she was an ultimately annoying (even though she was a kid) type
of customer. Though, she herself wasnt bothered by it at all.

What currently occupied Hayas thoughts was the clear difference

in the technology level between Kiritou and Namisagi.

in the end, this is the only thing for me.

She hated herself for thinking about the company despite being
alone.

Even though she went out for a change of pace, and yet she
couldnt get away from thinking like a Kiritous young lady.

No matter where she goes, she cant escapethats what she

was reminded of.

lets stop this. Its depressing.

The words that came out involuntarily out of her mouth dissolved
in the cold air. Her sigh dyed the air white and disappeared soon
enough, she displayed her real self where no one could see her.

Even as she strolled her mind didnt clear up. Just when she
thought of that and decided to go back to the hotel, something
caught her attention and she stopped her feet.

That girl, the one from yesterday?

She was clad in a dirty parka, and even though her head was
hidden by a hood, the distinctive bluish-black hair could be seen. It
was definitely the thief girl she met last night. She was hiding in a
back alley.

What is she doing?

Her curiosity was piqued and Haya stood still for a while
observing her.

There was movement after five minutes passed. The moment a

security drone tried to pass by the girl, she moved.

The girl expanded a window and operated it at high speed. The

street-lights around suddenly started to glow strongly and
emergency buzzers sounded all over. The passer-bys attention was
drawn to them and away from the drone.

Aiming for that moment, the girl jumped out quickly and got in
close contact with the drone. She momentarily rewrote the internal
information in it and disappeared in the back alley.

Thats

Haya examined the internal information of the drone that ceased its
functions.
As expected, its behavioural pattern was changed by administrator
privileges, it was set to stop before reaching a certain place
where it was at time.

This, it was done by the girl from before wasnt it. Hacking into an
administrator account in such a short time

And the abnormal functions of the lights and buzzers before. That
was also her doing.

But to hack into those in such a short time, moreover only by using
the terminals output meant her skills were on a different level.

I want to confirm itsuch an idea came to her mind. She was

very interested why would someone who has such skills do such a
thing.

If I go to these coordinates then probably

Haya expanded a map and proceeded with fast steps.

Fortunately because there was good security in this town, there

were no problems. She walked for about ten minutes until she
reached a run-down bar.

it should be here.

The coordinates that have been removed from the patrol drones
route were no doubt here.
Haya went up the dimly lit stairs and put a hand on the rusted
doorknob. Suddenly a shadow appeared in her field of view.

Drop dead you damn intruder!

Wha

The door has been wide opened and the girl who seemed to wait on
the other side attacked her. She had a thin wooden bar in her
hands.

Dangeras soon as she thought that, Haya grabbed the girls

arm reflexively.

eh?

Fuhyah!

The moment the girl shouted, her small body danced in the air.
Haya quickly entwined her with her legs and softly dropped her on
the floor, she clamped down on her arm.

It was the grappling technique commonly called roark armbar,

the girl started screaming.

IT hurtsSSSSSsss?!! time out! Ouch ouch, I said it hurts didnt

I?!

Of course it does. Its supposed to hurt. Rather than that! What

are you thinking suddenly trying to hit me!

Thats because you entered my house without permission!

your house? What, you live here?

Thats right!

While still holding onto her arm strongly, Haya looked around the
store.

Although the dcor looked old, the counter and chairs as well as
the tableware seemed like they were used recently, a feeling of life
was there.

not only trespassing and stealing, but also illegal occupation.

Thats a three-hit combo.

Shut up, it has nothing to do with you! Hurry up and let go of my

hand you bobhead!

Annoying. Ah, I see. So you dont need this arm. Hmm.

GyaaaaaaAAAAAAAAaaaAAa!!

The arm made an ominous sound, and her screams resounded in

the deserted bar.

Asumi Aoko, twelve years old.

When she asked about her name, the girl replied reluctantly.

Most likely because she was held down for three minutes, but the
girl fell down on the counter looking tiredlooking down on
Asumi Aoko, Haya let out a small sigh. Why was she that
interested in this girl.

Asumi Aoko was in a nutshell a girl who ran away from home.

The years earlier she ran away from her adoptive parents house
and was living in this ran-down bar ever since then.

Of course she didnt go to school, and a minor without a guarantor

couldnt rent a room.

Even so, she manages to survive somehow. She went outside to

obtain food on every third daythats when she sneaked in to
the party venuethats what she told her.

so, why did you steal my bracelet? You need money?

Ugh that was an accident. The moment I rammed into you it

was accidentally caught in my clothes. Even I have my pride, I
wouldnt do something shameful like pickpocketing.

Stealing food was shameful as well, Haya thought, but she ignored
that for the time being. Rather, she was interested in this girl who
lived alone despite being the same age as she was.
I know what happened yesterday. But how are you living your
life? It doesnt seem like theres a bed here.

Theres both tap water and electricity in here as well as a shower.

Its enough to survive.

Aoko no longer had any strength to resist and obediently

responded.

It was just as she said, there was electricity in the store. But why
was she using a run-down bar as her lifeline. Just when she thought
of that something came to her mind, earlier, she witnessed the
hacking skills of the girl.

It cant be, did you hack into the management company?

I-I had no choice but to do it if I wanted to live, that

was an emergency.

I see, so unauthorized access added to the list.

The number of charges increased again. But since she didnt intend
on taking her to the police station, counting them was pointless.

Anyway, who are you? You were at that venue, so I imagine you
must be a considerable Ojou-sama.

Ah, I havent introduced myself have I. Kiritou Haya, same as

you twelve years old.
Kiritou?

Recognizing her last name, Aoko stood up and rummaged in the

machinery piled up in the corner of the store. As Haya moved
closer, she saw all of it was dirty, broken or in a bad state.

Thats a lot of machinery, where did you get it?

This? I stole it from discarded productsIm just reusing them.

I secretly borrowed the rest from the drones in the city.

you hacked into drones for that?

So that was her real purpose. Haya was amazed.

Oh, there it is. This is from Kiritou.

Uwaa, you brought out something really old.

Aoko pulled out a small card-type machine. It was a product made

ten years ago when Kiritou initially began to rise. Haya reflected
its information on the terminal, and was surprised with its
performance. The specs were completely different from original. It
wasnt the same as the one developed by Kiritou.

could it be that you remodelled it?

Nn? Ahh, speaking of which I tampered with it after I picked it

up about two years ago.
Although thats what Aoko said, it was not a modification on the
level of tampering a little. Haya was horrified by the fact that a
twelve year old girl who didnt go to school could do such a thing.

I see, in other words a genius.

Thats right. Even though I say it about myself, I am a genius.

Thats boasting a lot.

Its the truth so it cant be helped. Nevertheless, there are various

elements Im missing, but Im still better than an inferior human
like you.

Fine, I get it. I havent made you scream enough yet.

Eh, no, youre wroGYAHHHHHHHH! My arm, i-itll

pop offfff!

And before she noticed, Haya started to play with the girl called
Aoko.

A young lady who lived in a sparkling world and the runaway girl
who had trouble finding food every day. The two who had nothing
that resembled each other and had completely different
circumstances surrounding them felt comfortable when they were
together.

Now then, Im going home see you tomorrow.

sure, see you tomorrow.

That day, the two promised to meet again the other day for the first
time in their lives.

Part 4
Ga

A hatchet pierced the chest of one of the executives and he fell to

the ground. A pale sphere of light left his bodythe mental
structure fell out and was absorbed into the girls palm.

I have seized all the functions of this structure and disposed of

completely, the thousands of employees. All thats left is you,
Kiritou Kouya.

The headquarters buildings structure, the thirty-fifth and the top

floor, the executive boards meeting room. It was where the
executives of the Kiritou Group were talking about the benefits and
the fate of the company, it was all dominated by a single girl now.

All the executives who were vigorously discussing up until the last
moment now were lying on the floor, the only one surviving was
the man sitting in the top seat. Among this gruesome sight, four
Zygotes were slowly taking steps towards him.

You Asumi Aoko why are you here

Why? What a stupid question. Do I have to explain the reasons to

you one by one?

Kouya who was sitting in a chair didnt move, no, he couldnt

move.

On both of his sides were black knights who poised their hatchets
making him unable to move. He could imagine that were he tp
move he would share the fate of the executives who lied on the
floor.

I have only one objective. You should know what it is.

Aoko glared at the unmoving Kouya and spat out coldly.

She had only one objective.

There is no way Kiritou Kouya, the man who erased the girl called
Asumi Aoko from this world wouldnt know it.

revenge, is it.

Correct. But it isnt limited just to you.

While saying that, she took a hatchet from one of black knights
and aimed it at his neck.
Yeah. This is revenge. I will destroy you, and this castle you
created without leaving a single piece of it. Just for that Ive been
clinging to this unsightly life of mine.

She broke her promise, confined ten thousand people, sacrificed

her only friend, and used the dream they made together so that she
could stand there.

Even though she knew just how sinful she was, she didnt stop.
She couldnt stop.

what do you intend.

You cant do anything even if I tell you that. Shut up and rot
away.

She slowly lowered the hatchet.

The hell you wished for you can finally see it.

The hatchet was swung casually, Kouya didnt even scream as it

cut into his neck.

And after being signalled, thousands of windows were deployed

around Aoko producing a huge program in conjunction.

Logic Bomb Indra Generation SequenceStart.

According to Aokos order, the mental structures of the ten

thousand people robbed by Jail converged at one point. As the
lights gradually started to give off a strong light, the ceiling and the
floor started to disappeared and turning to dust.

Just a little more a little more and itll be all over

Asumi Aoko stood there quietly and waited for the final demise to
come.

Part 5
have you calmed down?

Yeah. Thanks.

Although Hayas complexion hasnt returned to normal yet, it was

much better now. Taiga exhaled with relief.

It was the third floor of the headquarters structure, a small room

that had about eight tatami of space and a hidden door.

Haya said When I was small I made it by hollowing out a portion

of structure, something like a secret base., it seemed like Aoko
didnt know about this room.

Now then what do we do now.

Taiga thought of what to do next.

Although they didnt know about this room, it was a matter of time
until they tear it down and find them. Although he confirmed the
stage of other levels while falling, there seemed to be a large
amount of Zygotes on every floor. And their total number was
honestly, he didnt want to think about it.

I dont know whats Asumi Aokos objective, but being here is

dangerous. Im worried about Fuyuki, we need to hurry and log
out.

Im going to the top floor. If there is something, come up

there and tell me there.

Thats what Aoko said. Although that line seemed like an

invitation, but unless they do something about her they wont be
able to log out. There was no other choice.

first we need to ensure a way to fight.

Between this place and the top floor there were countless
Zygotes, they had no choice but to break through.

Of course, breaking through with his bare hands was out of the
question. Were he to be surrounded it would be the end of the line.

Unexpectedly the room, no, the entire structure started to shake

violently. Taiga and Haya lost their balance.

What?!
The moment Taiga looked up, he saw electromagnetic waves run
through the structure, the walls became transparent and he saw the
sky far above them through it.

In there was a giant sphere of light shining above them and

growing. Seeing the empty sphere in the sky, Haya shouted.

Indra?!! Aoko, you want to destroy Kiritou that much?!

Just by seeing the fear and shock on Hayas face Taiga was able to
assess the risk.

Taiga himself as well instinctively guessedit would put

everything to an end equally. Whether it were people or objects,
once they were swallowed by that they would turn into dust.

Whats that?

know anything about Logic Bomb?

No, havent heard of it.

Its a type of a cyber weapon. A program which overloads the

operation area and causes errors that destroy it. Indra is the
worst among programs of that type. Its a genocidal weapon
specializing in the destruction of large-scale structures.

thats some dangerous wording.

It was something he would never hear in normal everyday life. But
as he looked at the sphere of light he didnt feel any discomfort.

The one who made it, was it Asumi Aoko?

Yeah. Aoko said so herself, that this is an inhumane program that

shouldnt have been created.

Inhumane?

The problem is not the fact that it destroys a large-scaled

structure its the material Indra is composed of.

Haya sat down on the bed and expanded a window.

It was Kiritou headquarters structure floor plan, on it there were

red and white dot marks. While there were countless red dots on it,
the only two white dots were on the third floor.

looks like all the employees have been taken down.

Thats the response of virtual bodies is it.

Judging from the number and location the two white dots was
Taiga and Haya. And the red dots mustve been Kiritou
employees beaten by the black knights. The Jail installed on
them must have sucked out their mental structure

wait.
The dots connected.

Inhumane. The worst program. He heard earlier that a mental

structure was a mass of data impossible to analyse. After
connecting all the information he had, there was only one answer.

It cant be the materialIndra uses ishuman souls?

To be exact, a large amount of mental structures.

Haya emotionlessly corrected Taigas words.

When he assumed that, the current situation all made sense. A

large amount of employees has been called to the headquarters
structure today to deal with the appearing troubles, and they all
needed to be hunted down as fast as possible. For that,
Zygotes were used and to complete it they were equipped
withJail.

If Indra was triggered, then all the people inside of the

structure will die due to the excess load applied to their brains.
Kiritou will literally disappear without a trace.

How long will it take until its completed?

I dont know the details, but it wont take long.

So there was no time to lose.

Then, Haya grasped Taigas arm slowly and forced a window
open. She took out the complex attack-configured program
Heavenly Sword and the costume he was using in Aries.

What are you intending to do?

Youre going to stop Aoko arent you? Im modifying

Heavenly Sword so that it can be used in here. Wait a
moment.

She said that and without waiting for his reply she started to
change the program. The percentage on the window said 1%,
indicating modification completion status. It went up to 2% soon
enough.

Im going as well.

Haya said it quietly, there were no hesitation in her eyes.

Can you do it?

Taiga stared into her eyes with anticipation.

He could see it in Asumi Aokos eyes, she wasnt someone who

would let herself be persuaded. She had to be forcefully stopped.
In other wordsannihilate her.

No matter the reason, I cant allow her to do such a thing. I need

to stop that idiot.
Ill go no matter what. She made such a response which indicated
she had a strong determination. Taiga frowned.

Even so, I cant go up while carrying you.

Thats all right. Ive thought it over properly.

There was a possibility of Haya getting attacked by Zygotes if she

were to be left behind anyway. Them staying together would
ensure she was safe.

just tell me one thing. What exactly is the current Asumi Aoko?
Why is she using Ioras virtual body?

well, I guess you have the right to know.

She prompted Taiga to sit down and looked up at the ceiling with a
distant look in her eyes.

Lets start from when Aoko first came to Kiritou.

Part 6
Both Kiritou Haya and Asumi Aoko were lonely.

The girl who was born to a blessed household and was forced to
become a lady, and the girl who was born into a poor
environment and was forced to become an adult.
Starting with a chance encounter and short but intense days. For
the first time ever since they were born the girls found a friend
with whom they could openly speak with.

My body is tainted. That was Asumi Aokos favourite phrase.

She was separated from her parents when they died and taken to
her relatives. It wasnt common, but it wasnt a rare story either.

But what was unfortunate for her, was the fact that her foster
family was badly distorted.
Cyber World
For Asumi Aoko whose every day was hell, Elysion was an utopia.

It wasnt an illusion nor a myth, a perfect world existed which

spread out majestically in front of her eyes. Denying the ugly
reality, it was a place like a dream where she could change
anything as she wanted to.

Then one day, she ran away from the hell.

While struggling to survive, she surrounded herself with the things

she loved. Andshe met with Haya, which made her even
happier.

Thats when Kiritou Kouya appeared in front of her. He knew of

Hayas suspicious actions and had his secretary investigate it in
secret.
I want to hire youthats what Kouya said after witnessing
Aokos talent.

Although Kiritou was called one of the four major corporations,

they paled in comparison to the other three.

The yet-emerging company didnt have a brand, nor research and

development that has been ongoing for many years. What Kiritou
Kouya wanted was a genius who could overturn the absolute
factor, time.

Asumi Aoko accepted the invitation and became a researcher at

Kiritou.

Aokos existence was top secret and only a few of the executives
knew of her, since Haya was at a similar age to her she has been
appointed as her watchdog.

Then one day, two years after she came to Kiritou.

Haya was working in her laboratory like usual, and Aoko also
entered it by using Transition like she always did. She seemed
to have an excited expression on her face.

Haya! Look, I found something great!

Aoko, I say it every time. Can you stop releasing my rooms

security without permission? Its bad for my heart.
Then make security I cant break through. Though, that would be
impossible

Was that supposed to be sarcastic

That kind of chat was already familiar to them.

Haya put her work on hold and sighed.

Even though it was almost summer, Aoko was wearing clothes that
covered everything up to her wrists and ankles as well as a white
coat on top of it. Haya recalled the reason she hid her skin, and
entered a melancholic mood.

so, what did you find?

Oh. Look, this. I look around the company data and stumbled
upon it.

What was projected in the air was an artificially-beautiful girl.

Her smiling expression had no emotions, felt dead as if it was a

noh mask. Her eyes were closed as if she was asleep.

AI?

It was a prototype version from a few generations ago, a really old

AI. Haya looked in Aokos eyes amazed.

So whats so unusual about it?

Its the first time Ive seen one, though Ive knew of them
before.

Ahnow that you say it.

AI was something convenient to have back then, but in the end

the results were not worth the development funds. Of course,
Kiritou didnt involve themselves with these.

An AI is just a doll that mechanically follows instructions

programmed into them. What made you interested in it?

Indeed it is as you say, shes a doll right now. Shes unable to

think for herself nor act by her own discretion.

Aoko continued to lay out words one after another as if to persuade

her. Although it was infuriating, Haya encouraged her to continue.

With what has been installed into her shes only able of making
basic responses, her thinking circuitry is extremely primitive.
Thinking of the past, dreaming of the future, its incomparable to a
human brain which is constantly thinking. And the most important
thingare the emotions.

arent you ashamed of using that dramatic tone of voice?

Stop laughing at me. Anyway, when I saw her I thought that were
an AI to have emotions, it would be no different from humans.
Thats probably pointless. Theres nothing to obtain from that.

Haya rejected her words all at once.

AIs have their own role, if they were given something as uncertain
as feelings it was unknown what kind of effect it would cause.
Were a machine to forget its duties, it would overturn everything
that was known.

But Aoko wasnt bothered with her words and just shrugged in a
grand manner.

Haya. Youre getting a bit too stained with the corporations

point of view. You should think about things in a more free
manner.

Is it something a corporation-dedicated researcher should say?

Those are two different things. As always, youre horrible at

switching between public and private matters listen and consider
this. Arent AIs a significant existence for people?

Well, in general they are.

In other words its something that is necessary for an owners

daily life. Then why not develop a relationship between them
similar to friendship?

friendship eh.
She tried to imagine it for a moment.

Her lonely life and meeting of Kiritou Haya and meeting with
Aoko, and now an AI staying together with them. Sharing the fun
days and the fights with each other

How enviable.

She suddenly returned to earth and blocked her mouth in a hurry,

Aoko heard it clearly. She made a nasty grin and

Then how about we try making one?

She said such a thing.

ha? What?

How dull. I said that me and you should make an AI that has
emotions. You think its nice as well dont you?

Well I thought so for a bit but you got your own research too
dont you. Moreover, I dont think youll get a permit for
developing an AI.

Hmm. Then if I get the permission will you cooperate?

Only if you do. But thats absolutely impossible.

Haya answered appropriately, with this the topic was closed.

However, a few days later just as she declared, Aoko has obtained
permission from Kiritou Kouya.

And the two undertook the task of developing an AI that had

emotions.

With Asumi Aoko as the lead developer, it was a small project

with only two people in it. And its name used characters from the
project leaders name and was called thusIolite.[4]

Part 7
Gradually the modification rate for Heavenly Sword was
nearing 100%.

As Haya stopped talking, a question appeared in Taigas head.

How did Asumi Aoko obtain Kiritou Kouyas permission? He

isnt someone who could be persuaded so easily.

He could tell just by looking at his face. Kouya wasnt a person

whod listen to people. There had to be something behind this.

Yeah. Ive learned about it later, but it seemed like he turned it

down once. But since she wanted to do AI research she proposed
to him a trade.
Trade?

Ive told you before. Profit is most important for us. Kiritou
will do anything as long as it profits.

Yeah. And then she dabbled in the development of military

programsthats what it means.

Yes.

Asumi Aoko proposed an exchange. After being told this much, he

realized its contents.

She took a step into the worst research of Jail and Indra
in order to obtain some freedom.

From now on its the main issue. Aoko and I began the research
on AI in earnest. Virtual personality, in other words a mental
structure created artificially. But something like that couldnt be
simply created by human hands.

They could only create a superficial personality configuration. But

the soul underlying it, its life, creating a will which would output
emotions from the scratch was stepping into Gods realm.

We had gave up on creating it from a scratch. What had caught

Electronic Ghosts
our attention was the study of Hologhosts which was actively
carried out all over the world.
Hologhosts? Havent heard of them.

Its a quite famous research. It can be called an end point theme

for the cyber era. Discarding the unwanted real body and living
eternally after becoming a pure soul. In a nutshell, a study of
immortality.

Immortality.

In all eras and places it was silently talked about, a dream everyone
had at least once.

Everyone who has obtained everything, they could have said in the
end I dont want to die, a primitive desire.

One of the Hologhosts concepts of affixing the mental structure

to virtual was helpful in building the AI. And from discovering
something already existing and applying it our study had began.
Even though we started with a bright concept Aoko has found
it.

It was supposed to be impossible.

Electronic Paradise
From the day Elysion was born, countless researchers aimed for it
and were equally frustrated by their failures. But by chance, or
maybe because of Gods mischiefAsumi Aoko arrived at the
sanctuary no one could follow her into.
By burning out the brain through excessive load and completely
cutting the connection with the body the mental structure could
affixed to the virtual world she found such a method.

In other words, a method to become a Hologhost.

Thats the kind of thing it is in a nutshell.

Even Asumi Aoko didnt expect that. However her extraordinary

talent changed impossible into possible despite her not wanting it.

Aoko created Iora by using the knowledge she gained in that

research. But after consulting with me we promised not to reveal
anything about the research on Hologhost and keep it secret. It
wasnt something not worth consulting. And yet

Asumi Aoko used it.

Asumi Aoko died by burning out her brain, and became a

Hologhost living in the virtual world. She entered Ioras body and
continued to hide in it.

the reason she used Ioras body can be inferred. Hologhosts

cannot move without a virtual body and there is no other body as
suitable as that one. After all, Aoko was the one who designed it,
the adaptation rate must have been considerably higher.

After finishing her story, Haya spat out the air in a sigh.
Taiga summarized the information in his head.

Currently Asumi Aoko was activating the program which was to

destroy the entire structure Logic Bomb Indra using the
mental structure of all the employees as material. If its triggered
its all GAME OVER, everyone dies.

Is there a method to stop Indra?

There is no way to stop the sequence until its complete. Aoko is

now a Hologhost, her mental structure will disappear together with
her virtual bodys elimination. That should stop it.

Elimination, the moment she said that Hayas expression shook for
an instant. Her disturbance disappeared soon enough and a sense of
mission its something that has to be done dwelled in her. The
danger that light posed couldnt be overlooked.

all right, its done.

The moment Haya murmured that a high pitched sound rang out, a
nodachi appeared in front of Taiga all at once. The moment he
grasped it his body was clad in light and he changed into the outfit
he wore in Aries, a white long coat.

Now then, lets go.

yeah.
Taiga stared at Hayas emotionless back, and chased after her.

Part 8
Haa haa

Your breathing has roughened considerably. Its about time your

processing speed decreased.

No way. lets go!

Just as she cried out a dozen of crystals appeared and were released
at Angel in unison.

Each and every one of them was a powerful attack-configured

program capable of destroying it. Before the literally deadly
arrows, Angel swayed its hand. An exactly same number of sinister
red crystals appeared behind it and intercepted the blue crystals.
The pure white space was dyed in two colours, red and blue.

being able to develop such a number of programs in just a

moment. If we considered just the processing speed you might be
above me. Looks like it was a correct course of action to deal with
you like this.

As Fuyukis breathing turned rough because of excessive

calculations, Angel made a relaxed smile.
They have exchanged about fifty attacks already. Assuming every
time they used about twenty programs, after a simple calculation it
would add up to a thousandit was impossible for a program to
withstand such a load no matter how good it was.

You are you borrowing a calculation space from somewhere

outside?

Fuyuki was confident about that question, Angel laughed faintly,

saying its correct.

If it were my real self then maybe, but this program cant stop
you. My calculation space is currently directly connected to the
Kiritous main server. Its a huge server capable of managing
multiple large-scaled structures. No matter how fast your
processing speed is, its impossible for you to break through it.

In other words, it meant that to destroy Angel she would need

enough strength to destroy the entire Kiritou server.

An ant and an elephant that wouldnt be enough to describe it.

She couldnt win.

No matter how good at processing data and calculation a human

was, they couldnt compete with a server which could maintain a
vast worlds heaven and earth. It was an overwhelming difference,
the measures she used made no difference.
Certainly, Little Sister cant do anything alone.

Nevertheless, Fuyuki build another attack-configured program.

you dont know when to give up.

Angel let out a tired sigh and began interception. It was nearly
three times the number of the crystals released before, but that
level of attack could be easily intercepted if Angel had the backup
of the main server.

From the overwhelming raw power difference, a small opportunity

to catch the enemy off guard appeared.

Thats why. When she hid a very very small program in the
shadow of the large amount of crystals. Angel overlooked it.

As red and blue crystals clashed releasing a flurry of sparks, the

barrier blocking off the structure was distorted for just a moment.

The tiny program was shot out through that distortion and used
Transition to enter another structure beyond the barrier.

Part 9
Ahh, Shio-chan. If you dont stir it faster thats going to be burnt
you know?
Eh? A-awawa?!

A fragrant smell drifted in caf Paradise which was empty

despite it being a holiday.

Shio was standing in the kitchen behind the counter with a pair of
chopsticks in her hand and stirred eggs in a hurry as they started to
rapidly solidify. Her movements couldnt be called good even if
it was to be blatant flattery. Rui was racking her brain.

Hmm. What can I do to teach you?

Im sorry for bothering you

No, the one who said shell practice with you is Rui-san. For now
lets throw away these scorched scrambled eggs, Rui-san will tell
you how to do it now.

As Rui picked the frying pan while saying that, a small electronic
sound came from the terminal.

Mailits from Fuyuki. It sayseh?

What happened Rui-chan?

Rui put on a disturbed expression the moment she opened the

window, concerned by something. Shio stopped her hands that
were working and moved closer. Rui turned the window so that she
could see the contents as well
please lend me your strength, it says.

Seeing unknown coordinates marked in there, the two tilted their

necks puzzled.
 Chapter 5 Requiem played in the sky

Part 1
Asumi Aoko was a different girl.

The place she was born in wasnt one built of concrete, but one
surrounded by nature. A mountain village.

She was born to be the only daughter of an ordinary household

which worked in agriculture, she spent her childhood while not
being exposed to the virtual world.

The turning point for her was her fifth birthday.

With the terminal she was given by her parents as a present,

Aokos talent started blossoming.

The girl pulled off feats no one else could do, her parents were
proud of her being such a genius.

Reaction of the villagers was just the opposite, chilly. Originally

the cyber technology wasnt popular in the rural areas. In such a
small world, Aoko was treated as abnormal for her technical
genius.

It was primordial fear of an existence they couldnt understand.

When her parents died in an accident, they attacked her out of

malice and kicked her out of village. She was taken care of by
relatives of her mother.

She was responsible for laundry and cooking in there.

Rather than a child, that family wanted a convenient handyman

if that was the truth, she would live a decent life. However,
reality was cruel. They vented their anger on Aoko in the form of
violence.

As she lived her hellish everyday life, she learned a single truth.

I will never be able to walk in the light.

Part 2
Haa!!

Taiga bisected a black knight who was falling at him from above
and jumped, kicking off the wall again.

Thats a really ridiculous bodily strength.

Haya was watching as Taiga rose five metres in the air at a stretch
and wanted to raise her voice objecting to such a sight. She ordered
leap quietly and the silvery-white knight who had Haya on its
shoulder jumped, following Taiga. The two of them and one virtual
entity were rising up by climbing up the terrace in the middle
rather than use stairs again.

But is that really safe?

Its all right, Ive got it properly under my control. Want to try
manipulating it?

While saying so, Haya lightly poked the silver knightwhich

Black Knight
was still a Zygote just a few minutes earlier.

Thats what Haya meant when she said she thought of it.

To think you would steal the controls of a Zygote and remodel

it

I knew these guys could be controlled. Im glad I prepared

measures to do that just in case. If possible Id like to control
several of them though.

Haya analysed the attack-configured program Angel created and

thought ahead, making a program she could use.

But as expected, not talking about the horde of hundreds of them,

she could only use it on one.

The enemys forces didnt change, the White Knight rushed

through the looming Zygotes destroying them. Sometimes he put
Haya who was clad in plain clothes on its shoulder as if it was a
knight protecting a princess.

The entrance hall was far below them already, they had already
advanced about eighty metres. At this rate theyll reach it soon
enou

?!!

A chill went Taigas spine, he twisted his body making an

immediate judgement.

A huge hatchet cleaved where his neck was just a moment before.
Were his reaction be delayed by even a second, he would be
already dead.

Taiga?! Kuh!!

Haya reached out to Taiga who was falling, pulled down by

gravity. But at that moment an army of Zygotes appeared by
Transition, there were at least twenty of them.

So many! White Knight alone isnt

The White Knights specs were higher after remodelling by Haya,

but it wasnt a large difference. If they fought then she would lose
without a doubthowever, the black knights ignored Haya and
fell down, following Taiga.

did they overlook me?

No. Its her, shes calling me. There was no reason, but she
intuitively thought so.

Head straight to the top floor.

After staring at the bottom for a moment, she commanded the

White Knight.

Ill stop Aoko. Thats something I must do!

Tenryo Taiga was just an outsider who was unfortunate to get

involved.

Were he not to meet her, he wouldnt have had to suffer such an

experience. She couldnt involve him any more than this in the
circumstances of Kiritou.

Just which gear started turning it in this direction.

When they met six years ago, when Aoko came to Kiritou, when
they decided on developing Iora, or when she has discovered a way
to become a Hologhost. Where did they make a mistake.

She didnt know. No matter how long she thought about it, she
couldnt find it. Even so

I will stop you, Aoko.

Id like to see if you can, Haya. Literally, stop me by force.

The two embraced the wishes they wont give up, and stood on the
final stage.

The light converged at one point.

Ten thousand mental structures gathered throughout Kiritou

structurethe souls condensed in one place giving off a brilliant
shine and forming one huge circuit. By bundling together the
information which could be called Gods inviolable area, it created
an arrow of destruction to annihilate all that existed in that space.

Im honestly surprised that a day like this would come, where we

stand against each other.

so you say. Theres no way someone as smart as you wouldnt

predict me interfering. It was all pre-calculated by you wasnt
it?

Hmm, I wonder.

Under the giant lightthe Logic Bomb Indra, the two girls
faced each other.

why are you doing something like this?

Haya asked quietly.

Ive been thinking about this all the time. Why would you use
Indra to crush Kiritou. Answer me Aoko, why would your
feet slip from the proper road!

She broke the promise between the two of them, she became a
presence that only lived as a soul.

Reaping ten thousand lives and using them to destroy everything

the reason for that, the source of that hatred, Haya didnt
know of it. She needed to learn about it.

A reason huh. I dont mind telling you, but can you really bother
with that now?

what do you mean?

Generating Indra has reached the final stage. I think you

know it already, but destroying it is impossible since its a mass of
Impossible to Analyse Data. The only way you can save
yourself and Tenryo Taiga is to eliminate me. You dont have time
to waste by chatting do you.

From the way you talk, it seems like you wont withdraw
obediently?

Foolish question. If my determination was weak enough to stop

because of that, I would have obediently died a year ago.
A year agowith these words Haya recalled Aokos funeral.

For her who had no relatives the funeral was very simple, the only
one attending was Haya.

The cause of her death was heart disease. In fact, she was
sentenced to live six months longer one month before she died.
Thats why it didnt inspire any doubts in Haya when she died.

However, Aoko has become a Hologhost.

The cause of her death must have been excess load on her brain.
That meant

You committed a suicide havent you.

it was Kiritou Kouyas doing. Were I to simply commit

suicide the cause of death could be easily found by examining my
body. Honestly it helped me, you were the only one who could
examine my body and find out that I became a Hologhost.

that shitty man.

Haya insulted Kouya in low voice.

That man must have silenced the police and without scruples
provided a fake cause of death. Aoko predicted that and used it to
become a Hologhost, moreover thanks to that she was treated as if
she died of illness.
Now, chat times over.

*pachin*, a dry sound of Aokos finger snapping could be heard.

A Zygote emerged from the black stain directly above Aoko.

The shape of its armour was different from the ones that were part
of her main fighting force. Probably it was specially modified by
her.

Both of us have a pawn. Thats perfect. How about a proxy

battle?

a fight between Zygotes huh. Very well.

Just as the two girls took a step back at the same time, the white
and black knight stood in front.

Oh, thats right. A single piece of good news for you. Currently
Im using part of my consciousness in order to stall Tenryou Taiga.
Think of it as of a handicap.

is that so. Ill accept it gratefully.

Kiritou Haya was far inferior to Asumi Aoko. That wasnt a guess
but an undeniable fact.

But if what she said was truth, then she was remotely operating
dozens of Zygotes and engaged in combat with Taiga. There
might be a chance Haya might be able to exploit.
There were two ways to damage a virtual body. Either to attack it
with an attack-configured program or erode it with a virus.

One of the pawns, the White Knight was originally Zygote, a

virus.

There were means of attacking, as well as a chance for victory.

All thats leftwas to run it.

Lets go, Aoko!

According to Hayas order, the White Knight charged forward

while holding a hatchet.

The Black Knight started moving at the same time, the two knights
clashed with a tremendous roar.

Exhausting the program processing ability the two knights slashes

crossed. Their trajectories were painted with white and black, an
intense sparks scattered throughout the air.

Ahaha, your pawns not that bad!

It doesnt feel like it! I know its nowhere near enough myself!

No such thing. I know how proficient you are very well. Thats
whyI will get a bit serious as well!

As Aoko said that, five windows appeared.

Aoko spread her hands like an orchestra conductor and started
operating on the windows with all ten of her fingers at once. The
Black Knights armour started to change ominously and he pushed
the White Knight back.

Tchhdamn it!

Haya immediately opened a window to strengthen the White

Knight in response.

Stronger, faster, tougher, the two girls continued to cause evolution

in their pawns armoured bodies.

Zygotes combat ability was fairly simple.

The foundation of their actions were optimal motions

corresponding to the current situation. They were aware of what
was happening, moved and acted with maximal efficiency under
the current conditions. Thats why neither Haya nor Aoko
interfered with their movements and only improved their pawns
performance.

The trajectory of the slashes felt into disarray, they started fending
off each others intense attacks.

At first glance it seemed like the battle was evenly matched. But
little by little the White Knight Haya was using slowly started to
become cover with cracks.
You monster You really arent using your full strength are
you!

How horrible, calling me a monster. In the first place, have you

ever won against me?

I never lost in arm wrestling!

Haya desperately tried to bite back at her, but Aoko laughed when
she heard that and her fingers continued to dance.

The White Knight could no longer defend. It barely managed to

divert the black knights attack, the black hatchet crushed its
armour and shaved it off.

I didnt think winning would be easy, but to think there was such a
big difference!

That talent was something else, Haya clenched her teeth.

She couldnt reach.

The speed of her thoughts, processing area, information analysis.

Asumi Aoko was winning in every one of these factors.

And yet, Aoko was still spending some of her thought processes to
fight against Taiga. Were she to use her full strengthshe
wouldnt survive even a second.
It didnt mean Haya was weak.

Even earlier than Fuyuki, she has been thoroughly educated from
early childhood and recognized as a gifted child, she was classified
among top class researchers in Kiritou. It was just that Asumi
Aokos ability was not normal.
Cyber World
Theres no one who can beat me in Elysion youre the one who
should know that the best. As usual, you hate losing dont you.

Shut up!

Even as they exchanged words, the Black Knights evolution

continued to accelerate.

There were no foolish and flashy moves from either of them. Bit
by bit, the White Knights escape route was being crushed as the
number of choices it could do was being limited.

Good grief so is the match over with this?

Its not over yet.

Although thats what Haya said, the outcome was already

determined. The Black Knight has surpassed the White Knight in
every attribute, even changing strategy wouldnt give it a chance.

How stubborn fine. Im already bored with you, its time for
the next step. Its time to end this.
Responding to Aokos order, the Black Knight let out an eerie roar.
That moment the black hatchet released a huge amount of miasma
and became a huge sword.

I will put an end to this.

With a roar, the black sword was swung down.

Despite raising the hatchet in order to defend, it was torn through

and the White Knights body was cleaved apart like a piece of
paper. Half of the White Knights body collapsed and it could no
longer function.

The Black Knight brandished its huge sword in no time and aimed
for Haya who was left unguardedjust as Haya predicted.
Forceful Interruption
Naive Intercept!!

Haya implanted a silver crystal in it, she used the opportunity that
appeared when it made a roundhouse slash. The Black Knights
movement suddenly stopped.

Its movements stopped for less than a second, but that was enough.

The right side of the White Knights body rose up and cleaved the
defenceless Black Knights torso.

Wha
Its over, Aoko!

Aoko was shaken for a moment. Haya didnt miss that opportunity.
She closed the distance to her not giving her time to summon a
Zygote and hit her neck!

*kiyinn*, a high-pitched metallic sound rang out.

Hayas breath turned rough and her head was aching because she
overdid it with excessive calculations, she tried getting rid of the
excess hit in her head.
Forceful Interruption
It was quite reckless. In just a moment she used the Intercept
which was a very forceful move. Her brain was exhausted after
continuing the fight, the fatigue hit her now.

But, with this somehow

She was able to stop herthats how it should have been.

That made me a bit surprised.

As a cool voice shook her eardrum, Haya moved her body away.
Forceful Interruption
That Intercept is the program which snatched away the
control over Zygote from me right? Its effect allows to
temporarily override administrative privileges. Although Ive been
wary, to think you could steal the control from me even for a
second as expected of you.
The huge hatchet that was supposed to drop on her neck has been
stopped by something that look like a rod.

It was thin enough for even Aokos hands to use it. It was clad in
jet-black haze which increases its eeriness several times.

This is badher instincts was sounding the alarm bells.

Haya tried to return to the White Knight immediately, but before

that a black slash cut through the silvery armour. The White
Knight could no longer maintain itself and disappeared, changing
into particles of light.

I didnt want to do something as uncouth as fighting myself. I

wonder if this body still remembers it? When I created a weapon it
naturally took this shape.

What was in Aokos hands, was a jet-black scythe like the

incarnation of darkness itself.

It was exactly the same as the weapon the Grim Reaper virus used
once. But for some reason, the way she poised it now felt dozen
times more frightening than the original.

lets go.

That moment, Aoko disappeared like smoke.

I lost sight of her, where isthe moment she tried to turn

around in a hurry, an nasty sound rang out. At the same time she
felt discomfort as if someone was pulling out her intestines.

I will not stop. Until everything turns into ash, I will step over all
hindrances. Even if its my my partner.

Aoko spoke those words right beside Hayas ears. After slowly
pulled out the scythe out of her abdomen, Hayas body losed its
strength and rolled on the ground.

Not goo

Hayas consciousness was fading away. In an attempt to clear the

field of vision that was being dyed white, she formed a fist and
stabbed her nails into her hand.

There was no pain. Even when she hit her stomach with her fist she
couldnt feel any pain.

The Cyber World blocked out the pain. But it didnt block out the
feeling of impact. It was surely mentally damaging. Currently
Haya was determined absolutely not to fall which allowed her to
maintain her consciousness.

Goho geho!

She got a fit of coughing and a rebound from her stomach.

Let alone standing up, she couldnt even move. She desperately
raised her face to look at Aoko who looked down on at her with
cold eyes and smiled with satisfaction.

Yup, youre perfectly on the brink of death. Youll be a great bait

like this.

bait?

Haya was only able to catch the word bait, but she understood its
meaning soon enough. The whole situation proceeded to the next
stage.

A sudden explosion roared from centre of the floor.

Minced pieces of the Black Knights appeared from the central

terrace and disappeared after turning into particles of light. A white
shadow holding a blade landed on the top floor.

You came at last, Tenryo Taiga. Arent you late.

He ignored Aokos provocative words, his eyes wandered towards

the scythe and then his gaze switched to Haya who was lying on
the floor beside Aoko.

you bitch, so you would go that far.

Taiga said that in a horribly flat voice. Anger was swelling up in

him, he took a step forward. Seeing him like that Aoko expanded a
window in the air.

There, he saw Angel exchange attacks with Fuyuki by using

crystals.

Fuyuki!!

Although Taiga yelled, his voice didnt reach her.

The Fuyuki on the screen seemed like she was nearing her limits,
she continued to desperately shoot down the red crystals with a
hand pressed on her head.

As you can see, your little sister is in my hands. Continuing to

harass her like this isnt bad, but I might as well turn her into a part
of Indra. Theres not that much fuel for it to use.

Cloudy, black emotions accumulated in his belly.

I wont let you. Ill protect people who are precious to me

thats the reason Ive been living for. Thats why I seeked strength.

If he allowed such a thing, he wouldnt be able to forgive himself.

but this onell be first.

At the end of his field of view, the large scythe was swung up
casually.
Its blade was aimed at Haya who has fallen on the floor and
couldnt move. Seeing her pupils beg for help, Taiga cried out.

Wait!

First.

*slosh*a horrible fleshy sound could be heard, a quiet scream

spilled from Hayas mouth.

Tenryo Taiga. The first irregular that has barged into this plan.
As a countermeasure for you who has interfered with Jails
and Zygotes performance test, it was essential to carry out
this plan.

Although Aoko said something, it didnt enter Taigas ears.

What occupied his mind, was anger which blazed crimson.

Hayas body collapsed face down, in his mind it overlapped with

the appearance of his dead parents. His emotions were dyed red,
everything other than Asumi Aoko disappeared from his field of
vision.

I thought a lot about it. I came up with some countermeasures, but

in the end I decided on something easier. Basically, humans
become weak when they are tired.

He clenched the nodachis handle with all his strength.

His endlessly gushing murderous intent was relayed to the weapon,
he said quietly.

Ill kill you.

That moment, Taiga jumped tremendously fast.

Breaking the Limit
ActivateSynchro Infinity!!

Driven by his rage, he pulled out his trump card.

After he smashed a sky blue crystal, the shackles that tied up

Tenryo Taiga have fallen off.

He cut through the air, leaving behind the scenery. Taiga swung
his nodachi at Aokos neck who was looking at him with a
condescending smile!

when people who surround you get hurt, you become

emotional. Thats your weakness, Tenryo Taiga.

The nodachi that was supposed to slip into her neck was blocked
with a black liquid.

As he looked up momentarily, he saw a large hole about two

metres in diameter in the air from which a black miasma
overflowed.

Come, lets start the second act.

She grabbed the neck of Haya who fell over and sprang back. The
black miasma surrounded Taiga and formed black knights. Their
number was thirty or more.

However, that wasnt enough to stop Taiga as he currently was.

Out of my way!!
Battle Tempest
Fifth form Senran tore through a number of entities, he
reversed the blade and used the third form Supersonic
Amakiri
Heavenly Mist. More than a dozen black knights turned into
particles and disappeared.

The reason he struggled with them before, was because he was

unable to attack. Just thirty of the knights werent an opponent for
Taiga in his fully synchronized state.

Oh-ho, thats no good. Theres still a lot of them out there.

As to replenish the numbers after those which disappeared, more

miasma continued to flow out of the hole in the air and formed a
dozen of Zygotes once again. Taiga took a step back and fought
them off reflexively. Although he chopped them into pieces
quickly, their resupply didnt stop.
No matter how many viruses of this degree you gather, it wont
work!

I bet. They cannot seal your attacks like they could before. Even
if there were fifty of them they wouldnt be able to stand up to you.
But how abouttime?

Time?

Taigas movements didnt stop. Every time a keen flash of steel cut
the black armour an arm or head was cut off.

Aoko let out a ridiculing laughter as she overlooked him seesawing

back and forth.

That program of yours its called Synchro Infinity isnt it.

How long can you use it?

?!!

His movements were disturbed after he heard Aokos words.

It was true that Synchro Infinity continued to hack him and

there was a large strain on the brain, it couldnt be used for long
periods of time. Its creator, Fuyuki said that theres a five minute
limit. However, Aoko shouldnt have known it.

Could you not underestimate me? You think I was just watching
your previous fight with Zygote for my enjoyment? I was
searching for your weakness.

During the fight two weeks ago. Taiga did indeed use Synchro
Infinity for his final attack.

But that was triggered only for a few seconds. So she must have
managed to find its disadvantages in such a short time.

I can understand the programs performance just by looking. I

figured it out immediately that using it mustve involved an
accordingly high risk. After learning that, finding countermeasures
against you was easy.

*pachin*, Aoko snapped her fingers.

The hole in the air further expanded and started to drop a torrent of
miasma. All of it turned into Zygotes and pushed onto Taiga with
sheer mass.

Until your head starts screaming, Ill continue to conduct this

song.

Stalling for time.

In short thats how Aokos tactic could be described, it was an

extremely simple thing.

However, Taiga was worried about the time limit. Were he to fight
with this inexhaustible supply of troops prepared by using players
from a large-scaled structure, this tactic could be deadly to him.

Shit

He cut down Zygotes surging from all sides.

Releasing Synchro Infinity was not an option. The moment he

releases it, he would have been overpowered by the horde of
enemies.

The only choice was to break through by concentrating on one

point. But Aoko wouldnt allow it. The attack came from all
directions at all times, the forces were replenished the instant they
fell and wouldnt thin out.

Lets start it the final stage which will make you run out of
strength!

In response to Aokos words, the Black Knights movements were

revitalized. The deadly battle has begun.

the number passed four hundred and fifty. I cant say I

expected this.

Seeing the sight in front her, Aoko let out a breath and exclaimed
involuntarily.
What spread in front of her, was truly a battlefield. In order to
crush one boy a number of soldiers flocked. The boy was slashing
the black downpour which pushed on him from all directions. The
tip of the sword moved at a crazy speed which made it blur as it
continued cutting apart one Black Knight after another.

Taking down more than one per second thats an instant death
one should fear. It was the correct decision to be wary.

Aoko infested a number of virtual bodies with Zygote and

reared them. Their number was approximately a thousand and five
hundred.

She acquired such a number in case a problem were to appear in

the large-scaled structure, thanks to that she still had a lot of
fighting force left. But she didnt expect she would spend a third of
the force on one person.

Oh wellisnt he about to hit the limit?

A smile spilled on Aokos face and she started to walk slowly

towards the battlefield.

His thoughts were screaming.

Haa!
He did a roundhouse kick and a cut at the same time. As he turned
around he immediately cut the neck of the Black Knight who was
behind him.

With nodachi in his hand, Taiga continued to single-mindedly hunt

the Zygotes.

Taiga made the circular area around him his own and continued to
cut down any enemy that stepped inside. Renjou Sword Technique
Empty Circle
Sixth Form Enkuu. Although at first he didnt allow any
enemy to approach him within a two metres radius, he was
currently fighting at a distance where they were almost grazing his
cheeks.

Guhah!

*zukin* a fierce pain ran through him.

Taigas movement visibly dulled, the hatchets were swung at him

from all the sides as enemy saw an opportunity.

He somehow parried it and avoided a mortal blow by dodging but

a small cut was engraved on his body.

All of his five senses were blurred as if he had a high fever.

The ringing in his ears continued to increase more and more, he

was attacked by a illusion that made him feel as if he was to lose
sensation in his fingers.

Its been already seven minutes since he triggered Synchro

Infinity, Taigas body exceeded the limit long time ago. And yet
he still continue to fight, driven by his strong will. However, the
turnaround of the situation was nowhere in sight.

And thenthe time has come.

?!!

Against his will, force left his knees. At the same time a severe
pain incomparable to what he felt hit his entire body, colour was
drained from his vision.

checkmate.

A quiet declaration. It was the signal.

When Taiga stopped moving two huge hatchets penetrated his

shoulders, furthermore his entire back has been slashed.

Agah!!!

The nodachi fell out of Taigas hands and dropped on the floor
with a dry sound.

Although Taiga would normally fall, both of his pierced shoulders

locked his body in the air like a model. With his knees on the
ground and hung down head he looked like a sinner sentenced and
waiting for punishment.

He desperately raised his face while feeling a pain that made it

seem like his body was falling apart. His vision was still blurred,
yet he still wasnt released as Asumi Aoko pushed through
between the black knights.

You did well to get this far. I didnt think you would withstand
this much. You have my honest praise.

s..hutup

As Aoko gave him an applause and clapped her hands, he glared at

her while releasing killing intent.

He tried to force his body to move, but he felt a throb in his head
every time causing his consciousness to recede.

Good grief, could you not look at me with such eyes?

Aoko slowly brandished the jet-black scythe.

Although she had a smile on her face, her eyes were cold and
didnt show any emotions.

If you look at me with such impudent eyes Ill feel like

crushing them.
Together with the clear voice, the scythes blade pierced through
Taigas left eye.

GAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!!!!

He screamed.

Ignoring Taigas screams which were loud enough to tear

eardrums, Aoko focused on the scythe in her hands.

With nasty fleshy sounds, the blade entered his back. Feeling a
severe pain as if his nerves were torn apart and a discomfort in his
head, Taiga continued to scream. If he didnt, he would go crazy.

After a dozen of seconds that felt like forever, the sickle was
withdrawn slowly.

If it were reality, pieces of meat would have clung to the blade, but
there were none in here. Aoko looked at him satisfied and walked
behind him.

Wait whereare yougoing

thats surprising. Youre still conscious.

Aoko made a surprised expression as she heard a low voice he

squeezed from his lungs.
Taigas posture was unchanged, he found Aoko with his remaining
eye. Although, his breath was faint and the only thing that kept his
consciousness together was his will.

The rebound from the program should have caused you a fierce
pain, Im amazed about your strength of will. Well, it would have
been better for you if you obediently lost consciousness.

A normal human being would have fainted long time ago, no, it
wouldnt be weird if they died from shockthats how painful it
was. Aoko has comitted a suicide by burning out her brain in the
past, she knew a bit about that pain.

She stood in front of Taiga, strongly grabbed his hair and forcibly
raised his face. A horrible noise was running through his left eye,
but his right eye displayed an unchanged and strong will in it.

So he can still make such eyes.

Aoko admired those eyes a great deal.

Tenryo Taiga no longer had any strength to raise his face.

He couldnt hold his sword nor defeat any Black Knights, he

couldnt even dream of stopping Aoko. Were she to swing down
her scythewith just that, his life would have been easily
extinguished.
W..hy?

Nn?

whywould youbetr..ay..Hayalikethat? Isntshe your

bestfriend?

His voice was quiet enough to disappear carried off by the wind.
Aoko looked at the Logic Bomb which slowly expanded above her
and released Taigas hair from her hand.

The reason huh. Oh well, theres no need to hide it and

Indras generation is slower than estimated so Ill tell you
some of it.

Aoko put her fingers on Taigas forehead.

As she did that a light colour appeared, a scenery Taiga has never
seen flowed through his head.

I implanted some data into your mind. The stimulus might be a

little too strong, so try not to break okay?

Asumi Aoko has become a Hologhost and obtained some freedom

in manipulating mental structures. Two week ago, she sealed some
of Shios emotions.

Because she was like that, she could replicate and transfer
memories as well. In Taigas head the memory of the original
Asumi Aoko has been imputed.

Those were, gruesome memories.

In a trade off in exchange for Kiritou Kouya to allow us to

develop AI Iolite, I agreed on developing military programs.
Thats because that miser wouldnt allow research that wasnt
profitable. So Ive been made to do such things, I didnt resist it.

A memory was played out, a sight he didnt know appeared and

disappeared.

First, it was just a security program.

He gave her a norm and ordered her to produce, she made things
according to his instructions. Legitimate programs like ones used
by police. However, Kouyas instructions slowly became more
extreme as not to make Aoko too aware of it.

Surveillance cameras, motion sensing, aircraft control systems, the

backbone of the Kiritou Headquarters structure defence system,
anti-air defence systemsno one knew as she continued to be
entrusted with more and more important work.

Now that I look back, placing me and partnering me with Haya

was a trickery. My senses were clearly paralyzed. Every day I
spent with Haya was fun and my recognition of right and wrong
has become ambiguous.
Thats why she took on the task of developing military programs.
If just that much allowed her to research and develop something
together with her best friend, she would do it without thinking
twice.

I was reminded of my foolishness three years ago. I was curious

how the program I made was used and learned that it was a
murder weapon used in war zones.

In the end, it was something made by a child. It couldnt be all that

important.

Those optimistic thoughts of hers were crushed with ease.

She made it. She made a program made to murder peopleno,

because of her a lot of people died.

I was in shock. I felt like I fell into the abyss. I knew I no longer
had the qualification to live in the light, I reached out to it with
regret and this is the price.

A scene emerged in Taigas mind.

A season during which cherry blossoms fluttered around, the two

girls laughed together while wearing brand new uniforms. The girl
who was walking a road full of light and hope for the future was
reminded that she was still in hell.
I didnt say I want to quit. If I stopped my development Kiritou
Kouya would have immediately discarded Iolite. Also my hand
was stained with blood a long time ago. Thats why, I just did what
I could. Even if it was hell.

Even though she knew people would die, she still continued to
develop.

She at least resisted when Zygote and Indra were in the

conceptual stage and destroyed them as high risk programs. She
knew well that it was hypocrisy.

Then one day, a doctor has sentenced me to death.

Life expectancy, six monthsit was already too late for

treatment.

Of course I feared death. But even more than that, I was relieved.
With that I would be free from this hell, I wanted to use my
remaining time for myself and yet, do you know what that man,
Kiritou Kouya thought?

She thought she will be free by the very end.

For her who was always tied to something, she wanted a bit time
for herself. She wanted to go to the bright places along with Haya.
It was her last chance. And that
Then spit out all the knowledge and skills you have
during these remaining six months.. The day I was sentenced to
live six more months, that man said so.

You are a tool. You will be used until youre broken. Having her
remaining time taken away made her feel outraged.

Thats when anger, resentment, hatred have flowed into Taiga

excessively strong negative feelings were boiling. It became the
root of Asumi Aokos revenge.

Ill destroy everything. Kiritou Kouya, and this silly kingdom he

made by using me all all all of it will be destroyed not leaving a
single piece behind.

She looked down at Taiga who didnt say anything, Aoko aimed
the scythes blade once again.

No more talking. She will eliminate the nuisance, end him.

See you, Tenryo Taiga.

The decapitating slash was swung down.

Just as the blade of darkness has been plunged into Taigas

defenceless neckjust before the blade sank in, it stopped.
?!

Aokos eyes were stained with surprise.

What stopped the scythe, was Taigas hand which shouldnt have
had any will to move.

He gripped the blade with all his strength, it didnt move even
though Aoko tried her all.

I finally get it.

Taiga murmured quietly and forced himself up.

The hatchets in his shoulders sliced the nerves, a severe pain ran
through his entire body. But that was fine.

its alike.

He finally found a reason why he recognized Aoko as the enemy

the moment he met her.

They were alike, this girl and him. They resembling each other a
lot. Thats whyhe couldnt acknowledge Asumi Aoko.

someone has to put an end to it.

what?

*mshrr*, the sickle Taiga grasped let out a sound.

He forcibly pulled out the hatchet from his shoulders. He didnt
feel any pain, and his anger has reached critical point long ago.

Its not about your suicide. But you know, dont involve your best
friend in something that stupid! If you want to die, then die alone!

Just by shouting his consciousness receded. The severe pain from

his crushed left eye felt like poison, his vision was dyed red.

Even so, he didnt fall. He couldnt afford to fall.

There shouldve been a different path she could have taken.

Be happy according to that path, be fulfilled after choosing that

ending. And yetwhy would she choose a path on which no
one would be saved.

He didnt approve of such a story. He didnt approve of such an

outcome.

Tenryo Taiga bet everything he had, as he absolutely needed to

change this ending.

Such a wasteful storyright here, right now. Ill put an end to

it!

He stared straight in front of him and declared.

Tenryo Taiga will deny Asumi Aokothat was the meaning

embedded in these words.

hee.

Aoko tried to shake off Taigas hand and hit the ground lightly
with the scythes handle.

With that the Zygotes activated and surrounded him.

I dont really get what youre saying but I can understand that
you want to continue fighting with me. But are you going to do it
with such a worn out body?

It was just as Aoko said, Taiga had wounds all over his body.
Although it wasnt damage that could be called critical, but it was
a miracle he was still standing.

Suuu.haaa

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Again and again, deeper and deeper, he did it countless times.

With his breathing came pain, it swallowed his feelings and roused
the instinct inside his consciousness.

its been two months since I last intended to kill a person.

He went back in time.

Reawakening himself from the time before reunited with her.
He slowly opened his eyes, in the sky-blue pupils dwelled an
unwavering will.

Ill subjugate you

Lets start, Asumi Aoko.

That moment, Aoko felt a thirst for blood which made her blood
freeze.

While feeling a horrifying sensation grabbing her heart she lost the
mental battle, she snapped her fingers.

Get him!

As they were ordered to, the Black Knights kicked off the ground
and jumped.

Taiga kicked up the nodachi that was lying on the ground with his
footand he vanished.

He reappeared few metres away right before a materializing Black

Knight and lightly swung his fist. The blow that shouldnt have hit
anything has captured the assaulting Black Knights head from the
right side and pulverized it.
Lightning Cross
Raijyuji
In no time he twisted his body and released a lightning fast double
attack.

The Black Knights armour was decomposed in an instant. Aiming

at Taiga the moment he still hasnt changed his posture, dozens of
Black Knights rushed at himand they exploded with a flash.

With a speed that made it look hazy, the blade has drawn multiple
slashes in an instant. Unable to wield their hatchets any longer, the
Black Knights became wreckage.

HAAAaa!!!!

It wasnt a fighting style driven by anger like the one he used

earlier.

These were sophisticated movements without any waste, a refined

way of fighting which purely dedicated his movements to
destroying the target.

calm down, hes just using a way of fighting that wont put a
burden on his body. Tenryo Taiga reached his limit long time ago.
Theres no element that would make me lose.

Aoko analysed the situation calmly.

No matter what he said, the damage to his body didnt disappear.

There was no way his brain would recover from a fatigue that
made him fall over once alreadyshe know that.

But what is this feeling?

One of his eyes was crushed. His body was cut up. His trump card
Synchro Infinity already passed its limit.

Asumi Aoko couldnt win against Tenryo Taigasuch a

baseless thought was stuck in her head and wouldnt leave.

He soared with a flash.

It was as if everything other than him was in slow motion, the

Black Knights were trampled over not even having a chance to
counter-attack. At a speed that couldnt be followed with eyes,
sometimes he crushed them with his body, sometimes he cut them
up, and continued to reduce their numbers.

!! Adding body connection path, continuous transition!

When she returned to herself, Aoko added another summoning

point, doubling it.

A dull pain hit her because of the sudden load, a mass of Zygotes
which transferred from another large-scale structure attacked
Taiga.

He sped up even more?!

But, even so, they didnt reach him.

Rather than grow dull, Taigas movements became faster and

sharper. He cut up the Black Knights in a blink of an eye.

Witnessing that sight, Aoko realized.

Until this boy defeats himself, he will never fall. He had no

bounds, he would become infinitely strong.

! What is this?

Unexpectedly, an unknown memory appeared in her mind.

Happily walking with his parents and little sister, a large truck
plunging towards her. The siblings who ran escaped, the dying
parents.

Its not my memory did the circuitry have a rebound?

The electronic circuits planted Taigas memory in her.

Although it was supposed to be the other way around, Tenryo

Taigas memory, the strongest one among them flowed into Aoko.

A young boy who lost everything.

Separated by death with his parents, and torn away from his
remaining little sister.
Even so he tried to live and face forward. If there was next time, he
swore to himself to become strong enough in body and mind so
that he could protect what was precious to him then.

However, the boy was weak.

He was adopted by a military clan. A complete amateur was given

the last name of the head family. It resulted with him being bullied,
he was beaten up and ragged down every day.

But the boy endured and put in a desperate effort. If he becomes

strong enough hell find the place he belongs tohe believed in
that. And eventually found it.

However, soon enough he was chased away from it. It was simple.
While there were people who didnt acknowledge weakness, there
were also people who hated strong people. In the boys case, it was
the people of Renjous main family.

Strength is everything. That was the iron law of Renjou. If the boy
continues to grow at this rate, he will deprive us of the family
heads seatthey feared that happening, and sent the nine year
old boy to the battlefield. They hoped and prayed for his death.

His memories from the past were gruesome enough to make her
want to turn away, they were full of blood and death.

Kill or be killed. Under such an abnormal environment he killed

for the first time, he wasnt given any time to repent. He made eye
contact with people as he killed killed killed and continued to kill
them.

How many hundreds, how many thousands. He sowed death.

He continued to circle around battlefields accustomed to death,

stained with blood, he became a human who robbed people of their
lives without any hesitation.

And one day, after three years from the moment he first killed
he noticed that he thought nothing of his parents death and
despaired.

He bore hatred for everything.

The environment that drove him to that point, he thought of killing

all the folks who made him like that.

And yet, he stopped himself from doing that.

Lets live together one daythe only family he had left, in order
to protect the promise with his little sister, the boy discarded
hatred.

dont fuck with me.

Glimpsing into that memory, Aoko murmured dumbfounded.

It was the same.

Deprived of their place to stay, living a life while being treated like
a tool. Andaccumulating a multitude of sins, yet still reaching
towards the light.

The only difference was the result. He discarded the hatred, she
decided on having revenge.

!!!!

She clenched her teeth strongly until they creaked.

I wont acknowledge it. Just this boy, she absolutely couldnt

acknowledge his existenceit was nothing as simple as cognate
aversion, a searing anger was born deep within her.
Converge Armour
All individuals Armour Create!

Driven by rage, she cried out towards the heaven.

The Black Knights who were fighting against Taiga turned back to
miasma and wrapped around Aoko.

The miasma covered her torso and limbs before crystallizing,

changing into a darkness-coloured armour. Aoko grasped an
atrocious scythe with an over one metre blade in one hand and
swung it.
Aoko became a mass of murderous intent and glared at him, Taiga
responded her squarely.

Why youre the same, even though you are the same as me!!

Come. Cut that out and lets finish this.

WHY IS IT ONLY YOU STAYING IN THE

LIGHTTTTTTTTTTT!!!

The two kicked off the ground at the same time and clashed with a
loud roar.

Part 3
At about the same time as Taiga and Aoko engaged each other in a
deadly battle. In the special structure prepared by Aoko, the
Prison, the cyber warfare was about to reach its imminent
conclusion.

Cut it out, how about you give up.

The defence program Aoko preparedAngel stared at

Fuyuki soberly.

Haa haa!!

Fuyuki didnt answer. No, she couldnt afford to answer would be

more correct.

The number of attacks they exchanged reached three digits. A

countless number of attack-configured programs has been created.
Once she even created a hundred of them at once. And yet, it was
all in vain.

Angel looked down at Fuyuki as she exhaled roughly and spoke

quietly.

Ive told you earlier, I have no intention of harming you. And yet,
why do you continue that despite knowing you cant win? Its hard
to understand.

No matter what she does she couldnt surpass Angel who received
the backup of the main server, a smart girl like her should know it.

And yet, she didnt give up.

its because, you showed me, such a video!

Fuyuki answered while catching her breath.

What she was shown, was Taiga being cut by numerous Black
Knights, as well as him having his left eye pierced with a scythe.
After being shown such a thing, there was no way she could stay
calm.

Because of such emotions which last only for a moment you

repeat your pointless resistance. Truly pointless.

The Angel laughed and described her resistance as foolish.

Theres a limit to how much one person can do. You cant defeat
me, that reality wont change no matter how hard you try, thats
the absolute truth.

This single girl who seemed to be stuck in this hell until she died.

And after living that silly life, she arrived at a single truth. Her
hatred concentrated in these words.

are you an idiot?

Fuyuki discarded it all with a single word.

What?

People have limits? Nothing will change no matter how hard they
try? Even if you say that. Thats not a reason to give up is it.

Tenryou Fuyuki understood she was a highly eccentric human

being.

The only thing she had was her technical skills in cyber
technology. She was bad at sports and exercise, she didnt possess
the necessary skills required for everyday life. Also, she was
fragile mentally.
She was supported by Taiga and Rui as well as Shio, and became
able to live a decent life.

If its impossible alone then do it with two people. If its

impossible with two people then do it with three people. When
Little Sister was in pain, Brother supported her. Thats why, when
Brother is in pain his little sister must support him. Impossible or
it cant be done has nothing to do with it.

She separated the words with small pauses during which she took
small breaths every time.

Before giving up one has resist with all their strength, Thats what
Little Sister thinks.

These words as if seeing through it, have pierced Aokos heart

which was dwelling in Angels chest.

What do you know about me.

Fuyuki and I are different.

There was someone who reached out to her. Aoko didnt have such
a person.

Resist what. You are just blessed, thats all!!

I didnt intend to harm you, but I changed my mind.

Driven by fury it clamped on Fuyukis neck. In its hand was a red

lighta military program which captured the mental structure
Jail.

Youll die here.

There was no hesitation, at this rate Jail would steal her

mental structure and fuel Indrayes, it was then.

Suddenly, power left Angels body.

What?

*clank*, it collapsed on its knees. Its body became as heavy as lead

for some reason. The Jail could no longer be maintained and
melted away into the air. And it heard the voice of a third party
that wasnt (shouldnt be) in there.

Nnn can it be that we barely made it in time?

Hime-chan, you all right?

Yes. Nice timing, Rucchan, Shii-chan.

Angel forced its face up and stared at the two girls reflected on the
window.

Saionji Rui, Karasuba Shio why those girlsno, rather than

that, what did you do?!

Its body was heavy to an impossible extent. This state, it seemed

like its processing area wasnt enough to make it move.

Thats when it looked towards the huge sphere that was behind the
two girls.

It cant be.

Yes it can.

Unlike how it was before, Fuyuki slowly rose up and looked down
on Angel.

You are getting support from the main server. That means your
circuits are connected with it. But that also works in reverse and if
the load from the server is directed to you, you wont be able to do
anything.

What Fuyuki sent to Rui and Shio were coordinates of the main
server. And with a plan message please access the main server and
reverse all vector operations she instructed them.

Honestly, she didnt know whether they will manage to do it in

timebut they splendidly accomplished it.

Kuh Ive been by someone like you!

You are an amazing programmer. Were Little Sister to be alone,
there would be nothing she could do.

Through Angel, she spoke to the programs author.

Not only did it borrowed computing power from the server, acted
autonomously but also had its own will. The current Fuyuki would
faster make a handstand before making something like that. But

Little Sister isnt alone. Thats the reason for your defeat.

She shot blue crystals towards Angel and disassembled the

program. Within a few seconds Angel disappeared not leaving a
single piece behind.

you two, Ill head over there right now. Make sure you prepare
to move.

Fuyuki looked towards where Angel was for a moment and then
after entering the coordinates of the main server she used
Transition.

Part 4
Uuu
Hit by a shock wave and trembling air, Haya woke up.

The sound of metal crossing again and again pierced through her
eardrums, her consciousness slowly became lucid.

Koho ha kua

Because of a foreign sensation in her belly she started coughing.

Her blurred vision caught a trajectory of white and black objects
which yelled. She slowly looked up and saw Taiga and Aoko clash
against each other.

It was a clash of two souls.

Both of them unleashed speed which surpassed the limit and

dozens of their attacks crossed. The two blades clashed and an
invisible shock wave destroyed everything around them.

UUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo!!!

UUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

With every blow that roared, the world was cracking.

The power of the two rose infinitely. Taiga was drawing strength
from within himself, Aoko continued to evolve by absorbing
Zygotes.

Neither of them would acknowledge the otherthat was the

driving force for both of them.

While they traveled the path of sin together, they still longed for
the light. They didnt give up, they desperately extended their
hands to it.

Tenryo Taiga managed to grasp it. He chose to escape to the

person who would accept him.

Asumi Aoko didnt grasp it. She couldnt speak of her suffering to
anyone, and sank into the abyss.

If I were to make a choice like that thenthey found what was

the correct and the incorrect answer, and Aoko felt the road she has
walked on was meaningless.

Thats why Tenryo Taiga and Asumi Aoko bet everything and
fought.

The two forcibly clashed, it was strong enough to blow away each
other ten metres away.

Although Taiga wanted to rebuild his posture and run, a fierce pain
ran through his whole body making him kneel.

Gahaaaa

His heart ached, the anchor holding his consciousness was fading.
He went past his limit a long time ago. Taiga moved his broken
body forcibly not allowing himself to be defeated.

As he desperately looked up, he saw Aoko crouch and hold her

head.

Haa haa aghhh!!

Even though Aoko boasted of her extraordinary processing power,

absorbing hundreds of Zygotes put an immeasurable load on
her. Her thinking circuits would collapse were she to fight any
longer.

Even so, the two stood up.

I, wont lose I will destroy everything and end it I wont

lose at a placelike this

Give me a break you spoiled kid to the very end you havent
fucking done anything at all!

Taiga roared strongly. In front of him was himself who made a

mistakethats why he couldnt acknowledge her.

You neither fought it nor escaped, you just let the circumstances
take you away! Scared of changes, scared of being rejected, you
shouldered everything alone!

shut up.
With just one phrase help me your life would have been saved!
You selfishly plunged yourself into despair because you couldnt
say that!

Shut up

You just wanted to be beside someone! You just wanted someone

to reach out to you! Both you, and we, would be happy with just
thaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAT!!!

SHUT UPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!

The nodachi and the scythe crossed again.

The cries of heart of the two reached Haya who was lying down.

Aoko

She muttered the name of her best friend and cursed herself.

Why am I sleeping in a place like this.

Haya noticed. She knew Asumi Aoko was being troubled by

something, she knew Aoko continued to suffer. But despite
noticing, she couldnt do anything.

She was scared.

For the girl called Kiritou Haya, Kiritou Kouya was absolute.
Thats why the girl who was cornered by her father pretended as if
she didnt know anything. She did so that she wouldnt get hurt.

in the end, I was just suiting myself.

Were she to extend a helping hand back then, Aoko might have
lived a happy life.

Without going for stupid revenge, she could live her life and leave
the world with a smile on her facesuch a regret occupied
Hayas mind.

I must go

After exerting strength with both of her arms she raised her body.

She had to stop her best friend who went down the wrong road.

It couldnt be anyone else, she had to finish that girls story with
her own hands. It was her duty to end that girls derailed life.

With determination filling her chest, in order to bring down the

curtains she started walking towards the battlefield.

How many times have they clashed.

The two didnt know the exact number themselves. The slashes
crossed countless number of times and the two continued to be
blown away.
Haa hhaa

They continued to breathe irregularly and somehow stood up.

Both of them were clearly at their limit. They literally put a

desperate effort into this fierce battle, they could no longer feel
pain nor fatigue.

Without even a need to say it they knew itnext one, was the
last.

Neither of them spoke.

The time to talk was over. What they could do, was only to
celebrate the end of the battle.

*clank*, a sound of something swaying could be heard.

!!!!

It was a signal, the white and black flashed at the same time.

The nodachi slashed Aokos body and the scythe stabbed into
Taigas belly.

As the two went beyond their limits the blades of their weapons
broke and rolled on the ground.

After a few seconds of rest.

shit

The one who fellwas Tenryo Taiga.

He lost strength in his body after swinging his sword and plunged
forward, he couldnt move any more.

His consciousness seemed to remain. His fingertips moved trying

to struggle. However, that was all. Taiga couldnt raise his body.

Seeing the enemy she has defeated Aoko quietly laughed.

how unfortunate, isnt it.

Both their attack power and speed were equal. If they were to fight
against each other in a perfect state, Taiga would have won thanks
to the combat experience he had.

What decided his defeat was the accumulated damage.

From the very beginning Taiga was fighting by using his own
body, different from Aoko who cornered him using her pawns.

Mental structure synthesis complete. Logic Bomb Indra

generation sequence process completed.

As she looked up into the air an inorganic announcement came, the

giant star made out of ten thousand absorbed mental structures
shined like a sun. All that was left was to say fall and this world
would have been turned into dust.

With this, its all over?

She tried to move her finger in order to accomplish her objective

thats when. *thud*, something hit her back.

An unpleasant sensation came from her chest and her limbs lost
their strength. When she frightfully looked towards it, she saw the
blade of the nodachi which was broken off earlier protrude from
her left breast.

Im sorry Aoko. I cant let your objective come true.

Haya

She muttered the name of her best friend who pierced her from
behind, a cold sensation came from her left breast which had a hole
in it. The sensation slowly spread throughout her body, and her
senses faded.

Im dying?

Her body temperature, the warm of life was dissipating.

Strangely clear, she could hear the sound of her own breathing, it
was becoming more and more shallow.

No
Once again, she will go back to that place.

A place where light doesnt reach, a dark and cold place, she was
to go there alone. She still hasnt accomplished anything.

A silly and ridiculous ending like this, for what sake has betrayed
her best friend and clung to her life.

If she died here and now, the life of Asumi Aoko,

Would be meaningless

Worthless

NOOooo I DONT WANT

THATTTTTTTTTTttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!

Asumi Aoko let out a scream putting spitting a curse that would
destroy anything.

The powerful emotions she lost control of flowed through the

Zygote which infested her body, the star of doom in the sky
started to slowly fall down. The Black Knights which turned into
an immobile armour turned back into a muddy stream and flowed
to swallow Haya.
Haya! Gugahhh
aaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

That moment Taiga raised a war cry as if to order his body move
and jumped into the contamination.

He desperately broke through the darkness which wrapped around

her body, he pulled her powerless arms out the miasma.

Gehogouh Haya! Hey! Pull yourself together!

Taiga?

Since she was limp he kept slapping her cheeks, finally she reacted
and returned.

She stared at Taiga with unfocused gaze, but soon enough she
understood what was the situation. She tried to get up in a hurry,
but her body didnt listen to her and was unsteady.

What about Aoko?

Above. We were washed away and are about ten floors below.

As she looked up, she saw Aoko far above. But that wasnt all
there was.

The Logic Bomb Indra was slowly crushing the building,

slowly but surely it was falling.
The walls and rooms continued to become meaningless data the
instant it touched them, the giant star continued to expand as it
absorbed it.

Its GAME OVER if that reaches the bottom. Well be all done
for. Thats troubling.

Its not time to take this leisurely! Now that its been activated
even destroying Aoko wont stop it! We need to hurry and do
something

Yeah, youre right. Thats why Ill do something about it. You
should hurry and go back to the top.

Eh?

This time end it properly. Her story.

Thats your role, he said as he stared straight at Haya.

Haya stared back at his pupils and responded with a small nod.

Ill leave it to you.

Yeah, leave it to me.

That was enough.

She forced her legs to move and went up the stairs. Taiga looked as
she slowly disappeared and jumped down from the terrace.
There we go.

He killed the momentum by kicking off the wall and nearly

instantly arrived at the first floor.

It was a soft landing with almost no shock dealt to him, his body
passed its limit long time ago. His consciousness was fading away
simply by moving his limbs, his entire body screamed.

Now then. I said leave it to me but what do I do.

He looked up at the giant light that was gradually looming down

and murmured.

Although he wanted to do something, Heavenly Sword was

broken. He had no choice but to let Haya go, and alone he couldnt
do anything.

Still, he tried to do something alone. It was at that time.

Brother! Are you safe?!

A window opened in front of him and Fuyukis voice sounded at

the same time.

Fuyuki! Youre safe, thats great!

Thanks to Rucchan and Shii-chan I somehow managed. And

Brother seems to be in a dangerous situation.
Rui and Shio? They came?

Yes. Were together in the server room now. Rather than that, we
will remove the barrier right now, please log out immediately!

Understanding the situation on his side, Fuyukis eyes looked

towards the falling Indra. Judging from her expression, it
mustve been really bad. But

no. I cant do that.

He couldnt run away alone.

Unable to believe his words, Fuyuki cried out as blood drained out
of her face.

Brother, what are you saying?! Dont you know how horrifying
that is?!

I do understand.

Then

I promised that Ill do something about that.

The one he promised with was no longer there. Stillthe little

girl disappeared relieved after he promised her that.

Thats why, he couldnt run away. If he did, he would betray her

trust.
There was determination in his pupils, Fuyuki sighed and seemed
like she was about to cry.

haa. Really, you continue to trouble people dont you. It would

be fine to just leave it.

Sorry.

But thats the Brother I fell in love with.

She wiped the corners of her eyes, and determination appeared in

her eyes.

Fuyuki waved her hand, and the attack-configured program

Heavenly Sword which should have been destroyed appear
beside Taiga.

Little Sister made a back-up. Brother needs to plunge it straight

into the nucleus in the Logic Bombs centre. Itll end with that.

Got it.

He didnt need to know the reason nor principle behind that.

She told him to plunge it in. All that was left was to believe her
and do it.

Im going!

Taiga gained momentum and leaped while pulling the nodachi. He

rushed towards the giant shining star.

Part 5
Rucchan, please direct all the servers computing power to Little
Sister. Shii-chan, cut off the connection with all other structures!

On it!

U-understood!

In Kiritou headquarters server room, Fuyuki gave out one

instruction after another.

Fuyuki operated the console with a furious speed and aggregated

all the processing power of the main server, she used all of it to
back the Heavenly Sword that was in Taigas possession.

A Logic Bomb was causing errors by dumping a huge amount of

information that was impossible to process. In other words, the
errors dont occur if the information is processed.

The method Fuyuki intended to use was simple. She used Kiritous
main server and she collected all the processing power in
Heavenly Sword to process the information the moment
nucleus was being destroyed.
Thank you very much, you two. Leave the rest to Little Sister.

After saying that to Rui and Shio Fuyuki continued to single-

mindedly hit the console.

Shio quietly stared at Fuyukis back. It seemed very, very distant

to her.

Fuyukis amazing. We cant do such a thing.

Before Shio noticed, Rui standing beside her spoke to her. Shio
didnt answer, she only stared at Fuyuki who worked in silence.

Frustrating, isnt it. Taiga and Fuyuki are doing their best, and we
cant do anything.

Rui-chan feels so too?

Thats right. I know Fuyuki is special, but its still frustrating.

Ruis words pierced through Shios heart.

She knew their talents were different. And yet she still felt irritated
as she was unable to do anything.

but you see. Rui-san thinks thats fine.

Eh?
Both Taiga and Fuyuki, they live in a different world from Rui-
san. But the place those two really want to be in, is this all-too-
ordinary world of ours.

Thats why, it was fine like this.

After alls over, shell greet them with a smileit was fine with
just that.

Shio closed her eyes quietly.

Somehowshe finally could see a glimpse of the road she

should follow.

Part 6
Haa! Ha!

She ran up the stairs.

Her feet passed their limit long ago, she fell down many times
already. Still, Haya stood up and continued to run towards the top
floor.

What occupied her mind, was the expression Aoko made right
before she was swallowed by the muddy stream.
Her best friend was terrified of extinction, feared death. Her real
face was weak and fragile.

one year ago, she made such an expression when I couldnt see
it?

Scared, in pain, her heart was almost crushed. She held down the
feelings she couldnt do anything about. Frightened that her
remaining life was slowly running out, and despite that, something
she couldnt forgive remained. She decided to kill herself and have
revengethat showed just in how much anguish she was in.

As to not to allow that to repeat, Haya continued running while

thinking she couldnt allow Aoko to be alone. Andshe found
her collapsed and crying like a small child.

uuuaa

Aoko.

What was there, wasnt a demon of vengeance that annihilated

Kiritou all alone. It was a tiny girl terrified of death.

Her virtual body was at the limit of endurance and began

collapsing already, particles of light continued to spill from her
body.

As Haya took a step closer. Through the particles of light, Aokos

feelings flowed.

She thought it would be better to have lived alone.

Asumi Aokos existence wouldnt be acknowledged by anyone,

she would died miserably discarded like garbage in a place where
the light of sun didnt reach.

But she has met the light named Kiritou Haya, and learned what
was comfort.

If it was her old self, she would have been able to stand the
loneliness. But after experiencing the warmth, it made her feel
even colder now.

She no longer was strong enough to withstand loneliness.

No I am the one who weakened Aoko.

The floor gradually collapsed.

The building was slowly turning into a slope, she staggered almost
losing balance. Still, Haya continued to walkand gently
hugged the kneeling girl.
Haya?

sorry. I didnt notice. Even though I was the one who dragged
you through it I couldnt protect you.

She arbitrarily decided and was under impression that the talented
girl was someone strong.

Haya made a mistake that she was strong enough to live alone. The
truth was, that she was weaker than anyone, and desired
connection with people more than anyone.

Im scared, Haya I dont want to be cold any more

Nn, I got it. Ill be with you until the end. Youll be warm like
that, right?

The floor collapsed, Haya fell down while holding Aoko.

Indra was looking down on them, it shone and swallowed

everything, destroying it. At this rate both of them will

well, thats fine. Such a conclusion isnt bad either.

Immediately after Haya closed her eyes, a sky blue glow filled the
sky.
Part 7
What Taiga felt after he entered Indra, was warmth.

Covering his entire body was a temperature that made his body
feel comfortable and took away the senses in his body.

This isnotgood

If it was pain, he could put up with it. But this was out of question.

All the damage he received and fatigue he accumulated entered the

gaps of his heart, he couldnt shake them off.

A mental structure of ten thousand people, the souls which lost

their bodies clung to Taigas virtual body as if saying give it to
me and cut off his nerve connections.

It stalled him in the air.

Leave your body to this warmth. Itll be comfortablehe almost

drowned in the temptation, thats when.

Ill lend you a hand. Come, its over here dammit.

He heard a horribly nostalgic voice. It reached out to him.

In the white haze he couldnt feel any directions, he relied on her
voice and followed her.

Iora.

Its been a friggin week hasnt it, Taiga.

A small body that fits in one hand, transparent blue hair. Although
her face was the same as Asumi Aokos, her tone was weird and
rudeit was the AI Iolite.

You, why Aoko said you disappeared

I escaped right before that happened. Rather than that, is your

damn body all right now?

Body? Now that you say it

He suddenly noticed that the pleasant sensation disappeared, his

blurred five senses returned to normal. With the fatigue and pain
which returned to his body he could still withstand this.

I moved the other mental structures away. I bought you some

time like this.

since when were you here?

When Indra was generated I escaped from Master Aoko

seeing a chance to interfere. An AI also has a mental structure so
in the end, I could only delay its completion.

So you did such a thing.

Yes. Just as I promised, I continued my futile resistance.

As she said that, a smile spilled on Ioras face.

The promise she made with Taigahonestly to a fault, she tried

to fulfill it.

I see cheers for your hard work.

She believed that Taiga would come and stop it. Just by believing
in it, she could continue struggling.

Taiga came to destroy the nucleus right?

Yeah. To end this pointless revengethats what I came here

for.

Then you know what to do right?

Iora looked straight at him, he silently nodded.

Rather than theorizing, he knew it instinctively. It was the centre of

the Logic Bomb, the origin that pieced together a ten thousand
mental structures. And that the girl right in front of him

Youre the nucleus, arent you.

yes.

It was something that had to be cut.

Please dont make such a face, Taiga.

Iora looked at Taiga who hung his head, she laughed quietly.

Iora is originally an artificial existence, nobody will be hurt if

she disappears. If so many lives are to be saved thanks to that,
thats a damn great thing.

I cant categorize it so easily, Im not too smart.

Iora looked into Taigas pupils as if to admonish him. But Taiga

wasnt convinced by her words.

Even so, there was no other way besides destroying her, he

understood it to a painful extent. Thats why he put a hand on the
nodachi hanging by his waist.

thank you.

I dont have a right to be told that by someone whom Im about to

destroy. Rather than that, let me ask you something.

What is it dammit?

you, are you Asumi Aoko?

Taiga was somehow confident as he asked that question. Iora was
surprised for a moment, but soon after she smiled softly and stared
back at him.

Why do you think so?

Theres no solid reason for that. Its just a hunch.

thats just like you.

With a faint smile, Iora answered.

the answer is YES, and NO. When Master Aoko was lurking
in Ioras body as a Hologhost, she has thrown away some feelings
that were in the way of her revenge like compassion and kindness.
Part of them were absorbed into the artificial intelligence
thats what happened according to Ioras analysis.

I see

The remaining feelings Asumi Aokos had for Kiritou Haya

that kind of thing.

When he looked below, he saw something like a thin haze

approach him slowly. Ioras interference was approaching its limit.

its about time for farewell, Iora.

yes. Goodbye.
Iora took a step away, she spread out her arms holding out her
body in front. Taiga slowly lowered his body and put a hand on the
nodachis hilt.

Secret Technique first form

Taiga closed his eyes and took a deep breath, concentrating.

Right now he will destroy a personality, he will take a lifein

order to never forget this sin, he engraved it in his heart.

His feet released all the strength, he concentrated on the arms

holding the nodachi and pulled out the blade at godspeed while
taking a step forward!!
Dragon Emperor
Haryuu!!!!

An enormous amount of light overflowed together with the slash, it

swallowed the small girl.

thank you for stopping me, Taiga.

With that, everything was over.

 Epilogue The proof she once lived

Part 1
Before she knew it, Haya was already awake.

What she saw in front of her with a dim vision, was a pure white
ceiling. She heard a regular electronic beeping and the sound of
pure white curtains swayed by the wind.

heavens quite bleak isnt it.

Leave sleep talk for when youre asleep. A woman like you wont
die so easily.

When she turned her head in shock, she found Tenryo Taigas
figure in plain clothes seated on a folding chair. He held both of his
hands behind his head and looked outside through the window as if
he was in daze.

Before you ask. This is Kiritou general hospitals VIP room.

Want to know your condition?

please.

Okay. Although there is no trauma, there seem to be quite a large

psychological damage. In the worst case, you might have not
awakened. Its great it took only a week.

A week so I slept that long.

She turned towards the opened window while still lying down. She
marked this day as one week passed since that day.
Logic Bomb
On that dayHaya hugged the disappeared Aoko as the Indra
fell on them.

She determined herself to disappear along with that woman.

But immediately after the giant light hit the two, everything was
filled with sky blue colourand she lost her consciousness.

Here I thought I was invited to the other world but I persistently

survived havent I.

In the end, Kiritou Haya let Asumi Aoko go there alone.

That was the conclusion. No one was saved, a futile ending.

Now then. Haya, you might not be feeling the best after waking
up, but listen to me.

And Taiga spoke to her about what she should know.

The ten thousand mental structures with composed Indra went

back to their original bodies on the same day.
The Kiritou was one of four major cyber-related corporations,
were it become to be public the damage would be immeasurable.
The negative effects of Jail caused Kiritou Kouya as well as
the executives to have only vague memories of the incident and it
was further buried in the darkness.

The world didnt change, Kiritou continued to be one corner of the

four major corporations. It was as if the girl called Asumi Aoko
didnt exist right from the beginning.

I see.

When Haya heard the story from Taiga she suffered from negative
emotions and hug her head. Seeing the suicidal expression Taiga
let out a small sigh.

I saved you after going through a lot of trouble. Be more happy.

theres no way I can do that can I. In the end, I didnt give

anything to neither Aoko nor Iora maybe I should have acted
differently.

If only she questioned Kouya earlier. If only she noticed that Aoko
was inside of Iora earlier. If only she discovered Angels
identity earlier. Such regrets occupied her mind.

it might sound cruel, but Asumi Aoko would reach happiness.

She lost her life a year ago. Even if she turned into a ghost, the past
wouldnt change.

The moment she turned herself into a Hologhost to have her

revenge, she stepped on a road from which she couldnt be saved.

The only thing the two of them could do was to stop her by force.
If not, it would have reached the worst conclusion.

Taiga opened the terminal window, and displayed data in front of

Haya.

Thats?

It seems like Asumi Aokos diary. Fuyuki found it in the server

room.

Haya turned the pages around frantically.

From the day she was picked up by Kiritou until the day prior to
her suicide. Her anguish, hatred as well as all the contents of the
plan were written there in detail. She slowly read it all.

Aoko

Its just my selfish imagination but she wanted someone to stop

her. If she only cared about her objective, there would be no need
to leave this diary behind. Moreover, were it to be found the plan
would be ruined.
It was a wishful thinking that saved her, even if just a little bit.

Taiga himself knew very well that there was no basis for it.

yeah, I think so too.

However, Haya decided to believe his words.

Aoko suffered badly and decided to take revenge, and to this diary
she entrusted her only hope. As she was about to take the final
step, thats what she must have thought.

Time flowed in silence.

An uncomfortable atmosphere drifted in room, after five minutes

passed with the two who didnt know what to say. Unexpectedly, a
quiet electronic sound came from Taigas terminal.

Oh, its finally here. Nice timing, Fuyuki.

What, you look strangely happy. Got some good news?

Yeah. She says she finally found a hidden treasure in Kiritou.

When Haya tilted her head puzzled, Taiga executed a program he

was sent by Fuyuki. The built-in projector in the terminal activated
and displayed a girl in the hospital room.

She had refined and clean facial features, as well as long bluish-
black hair.
Clad in a fantastic fluttering costume like a fairy from fairy tales, a
girl who looked exactly like Asumi AokoAI Iolite was
there.

w..hy?

Its Ioras virtual body that Aoko was using. I asked them if it was
possible to restore the body somehow. Fuyuki and the others
recovered the wrecked data picking it up one by one. But we
couldnt do much about her mind.

They dug through an enormous amount of data that was destroyed

by Logic Bomb Indra and reconstructed the body by sorting
the data, it was a tremendous amount of work. But the three agreed
to do it without any complaints.

Haya raised her body and reached out to Iora who had her eyes
closed and wouldnt budge. It was a three-dimensional image so it
couldnt be touched. It was just an empty shell without a soul, so
there was no reaction.

Even so, Haya continued to stroke her time after time. She pulled
out a virtual personality from her own terminal and incorporated it
in her.

activate.

She gave Iora a push with his fingertips.

After that, a few windows were expanded and an inorganic voice
leaked from her mouth.

Start-up code confirmed. Reading virtual personality start.

Connecting information collection from five senses complete.
Memory database generation complete. AI Iolite starting in
initial state.

Slowly she opened her eyes.

It was the same as when they first met, cold eyes which didnt
project any emotions found Haya, with a business tone completely
unlike her she spun words.

Nice to meet you. I am an AI program called Iolite. I would

like to proceed with master registration, will this miss become my
master?

Nice to meet you, huh Ive been prepared for this, but it is quite
hard.

Haya

The memory didnt return after inserting a new virtual personality.

Aoko who created Iolite together with her wouldnt come back
she knew that. But the girl still had some hope, she could be
called weak.
Im sorry because of me being timid I have broke miss
heart Im really sorry.

She repeated repentance time after time, tears flowed quietly down
Hayas cheeks. Iolites inorganic eyes stared at her and
I was happy being together with Master. Thank you very
much.

She said words that should be impossible for her.

Eh?

Haya, as well as Taiga have stared at her in disbelief.

Impossible. Ioras virtual personality disappeared completely. She

shouldnt have remembered.

I-Iolite just now?

I do not know. For some reason. When I see Master shed tears,
I absolutely need to convey it thats the feeling I get. Theres a
possibility of a bug.

its not a bug.

Really not knowing, AI Iolite tilted her neck.

Haya wiped the teardrops which collected in the corner of her eyes,
looked into her eyes and said as if praying.

Youre fine like that. You can remain as you are.

Understood. Master.
After confirming her state Iolite nodded and was sucked into
Hayas terminal. While staring at the disappearing after glow,
Haya declared.

Taiga I have decided. From now on I will forever pursue the

dream I had with Aoko. I will develop an AI who can become
friends with people. No matter how many years it will take,
definitely.

I see.

There was a very difficult road in front of her.

But she will never give up. Even without any proof of that, Taiga
was confident about it. One day, she will definitely achieve

Why are you talking as if it doesnt concern you? Youre doing it

with me.

Ha?

He didnt understand what she meant, seeing him like that Haya
made a grand smile.

Because Ill be graduating starting from next year, youll be my

first employee. Congratulations, there isnt many people who get a
job offer on their first year.

Wait wait! The talk leaped far too forward!

But isnt it quite a good offer? With your grades its impossible to
enter cyber-related companies and you probably wont be able to
stand working in a normal company will you. Impossible. Instead,
I could use you well.

Use you

And if I hire you then Ill be able to catch Fuyuki-san and Saionji-
san as well. Ill get the top student of first year as well as the
runner up? Its not easy to get such high quality staff.

So thats your real aim!

Taiga started panicking because of the sudden development, Haya

looked at this with a happy smile on her face.

And then, she made a nasty teasing smile as if she came up with
something. She outstretched her hand towards the fountain pen
placed on the side-deck, picked it up and dropped it on the floor on
purpose.

Ah sorry Taiga, can you pick it up?

Hey hey, you all right? Maybe you still feelNMU?!!

It was when Taiga looked up to pass her the fountain pen.

She suddenly pulled him by his collar towards the bed and pressed
her soft lips against his.
Eh, wh, waiwait WAIT?!

Not understanding the situation at all, Taigas thinking overheated

all at once.

Why was Hayas face so close to his, why were his and her lips
stuck together.

*click*

?!?!?!

The moment a quiet sound of a camera shutter filled the air, he

separated from her.

Hayas terminal seemed to be the source of the sound, in there, was

a photo of a boy and a girl kissing

Yup yup. It came out well.

Y-Y-y-you what are you doing?!

He didnt understand. Neither why would she suddenly kiss him,

nor why would she take a picture of it.

Haya showed Taiga the photos data and said.

A trade. If you dont agree, Ill show this photo to your little
sister.
ARE YOU A DEVIL?!!

He didnt even want to try imagining how Fuyuki would react after
being shown such a thing.

To avoid that he would do anythingjust when he thought that,

with a strangely good timing a mail came from Fuyuki. It said
hurry up and come down. He checked the clock and realized it
was past the meeting time they agreed on.

Geh sorry Haya, Ill come again! That photo, erase it

properly!

Ahw-wait!

She tried to stop him as he jumped out in a hurry, he looked back

at her.

thank you for everything. Im really grateful.

She said it shyly, with a blush on her cheeks.

Involuntarily, he was fascinated by her beautiful figure combined

with her black hair flowing in the wind.

Taiga left the hospital room.

Haya stared at the terminal Iolite has entered, she made a phone
call to a certain person with a clear purpose and determination.
After eight calls, the other recipient finally responded.

its been a week since we last spoke, Father.

What do you want. Im busy so be quick.

Hearing the cold voice her heart almost broke.

She always followed his orders. Never thought about standing up

to him, and lived as he ordered her to. That life was to end here
and now.

Haya clenched the terminal tightly, as she did that she felt a
courage well up inside her.

Is that so. Well, in short it would be

She looked at the sky outside the window, and she announced both
ending and the beginning.

I declare a war.

In order to continue the dream the girls pursued, she depicted it

like that.

Part 2
Ah, Taigaaa! Over here!

He rolled out of the hospital into the pleasant sunshine. Taiga

looked towards where the energetic voice called him from and saw
Rui waving her hands towards him. Fuyuki and Shio stood next to
her.

it took you quite long. What were you doing?

Explaining what happened and such.

Taiga dodged the topic appropriately, Fuyuki entwined their arms

as if it was natural and stared at him questioningly. Ruis and
Shios line of sight pierced his arm and was somehow
uncomfortable.

In order to deceive them he spoke to all three.

Sorry to make you do such a tedious work. Shio too in the end
had to stay for a week in a hotel because of that.

I dont mind at all. Thanks to that I could practice housework

with Rui-chan and pass Hime-chans test.

Did you find a room for yourself?

Not yet, but Ill definitely live in this city. This city which Onii-
san and Hime-chan lives in.
There was no hesitation in her pupils. Fuyuki noticed that Rui
gently stared at her and she made a puzzled expression.

Rucchan, you look somewhat happy?

Really? yup, I guess I am.

Rui said so and laughed, she hugged Taigas other arm.

As her large and soft breasts pressed onto him he involuntarily

tried to pull his arm out, but Rui firmly held it.

Hey hey, Taiga. Rui-san wants a reward.

A r-reward?

Yup. I did my best this time right? So, I dont care when but lets
go on a date.

Please wait a moment Rucchan. If thats the case then Little Sister
is the biggest contributor and she should go first.

Seeing Rui rub his body wanting to be spoiled, Fuyuki raised her
eyebrows. She strongly embraced his arm as if to compete with
Rui and raised her index finger to point at Taiga.

Little Sister hasnt forgotten, the date she was promised two
weeks ago still hasnt happened. Thats right, with this itll turn
into a short trip, how about that?
Grr, thats not fair. What does Shio-chan think?

Eh, umm Im a bit envious

As the three happily chatted, Taiga looked up at the sky.

The world of light they were always aiming for.

Now he was standing in the place they always longed for, no

matter how many sins theyve piled up.

He desperately grabbed onto the light people like Asumi Aoko

reached out to, but couldnt grasp.

God, I beg you. Please let days like these continue.

Taiga muttered a quiet prayer and continued to walk with the girls.

In the pleasant and warm sunlight he will hold onto the

happiness that was granted to him.
 Afterword

The long awaited leading role of the scheming student council

president!

Its been a while (probably) since you read this, this is Kazuma
Jouchi.

How did you like the third volume of ELYSION virtual region?

This time its a story of a gifted and loved by virtual world girl as
well as Kiritou Haya who was subtly involved with the main story
starting from the first volume.

ah, as usual from this point onwards its gonna include spoilers.
These are endnotes for the people who read the volume.

The new character this time is Asumi Aoko (although she

disappears by the end of the volume) and is the core of the story of
this ELYSION virtual region. A girl who has a talent greater than
Fuyuki, and yet is used and brokenher revenge that has began
starting with the first volume hasnt succeeded because of Taiga
and Haya. All the kindness Aoko had in her heartin the end
was all accumulated inside Iora and fuelled her last act.

This time there were major changes in this works romance

relationships.
Fuyuki took a straight approach and relayed her feelings of
wanting to be more than siblings. Rui is going at a heart-soothing
pace. And seeing Rui like that Shio has reaffirmed her feelings.

By the way, in the authors imagination Shio is a perverted girl.

She got excited by thinking of seducing her best friends dear
persona glimpse of that could be seen in the massage scene. In
fact it was also a setup for a scent fetish.

Then its Rui-chan whos overflowing with motherly features +

has a huge chest. When I first looked at her in the swimsuit I was
like Whats this! Its spilling out isnt it! and ended up staring at
it for five minutes (even now I occasionally look at it). The lap
pillow scene is one of my favourite. Rui-chan the true legal wife.

And theres no need to say anything about Fuyuki. The sensual and
lovely cute little sister is the best!

Acknowledgements.

The one who draws wonderful illustrations nauribon-sensei, the

editor Takeishi-sama, editor-in-chief, people in charge of
calibration, and many others. Thanks you all I was able to safely
release this book. Thank you very much. And above all, readers
who have picked up this book, my appreciations.

Taigas and the others story has come to a conclusion. From now
onwards the girls will accompany him on his full of light road.

Now then, if willed so by fate lets meet again in a different story.

See you next time if theres a chance.

 Translators Notes and References

1. Means third most in french.

2. I feel like Ill hold a grudge over illustrator not illustrating
Rui with ponytail. Nghhhh.
3. To be exact it refers to all you can eat type restaurants
4. Now, a quick explanation: Asumi Aoko is written as
. The two middle kanjis were taken (bolded)
and (character for stone) was added making up
which refers to Iolite (the gem). This is the first time Iolite
was written in kanji.